BREAKING NEWS on CNN: Monorail Accident Kills One IN WDW

[ladycollector]

The article I just read had a woman stating that she will never feel safe on the monorail again...to me that is going a bit extreme.

She must have been freaking out if she drove or flew to WDW... Those are exponentially more dangerous.

 

[andrewilley]

Here are some stats posted on the local news of of prior monorail incidents. Not too bad for 38 years.

I'd go further than that. Considering the number of miles that the WDW monorails travel each year, and the number of passengers carried, their overall safety record is nothing short of amazing.

That doesn't stop today's events from being any the less tragic of course, but the overall 38-year record is as good as any mass transit operation that I know of.

Andre

 

[SandrA9810]

I love how they go to the crossroads and get "opinions" from people that have probably heard nothing but what they just told them before going on camera.

The switch track not operating properly is the best thing I've heard as to how it actually happened. I did a google search and came up with a very old topic (2002) on another site. There were two monorail CM's discussing the safety features and how they changed tracks. It was definatly helpful in coming up with how it happened.

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=6118

After reading that I can see how/why they over-rode the MAPO system. But what gets me, is if some one was sitting at the north tower why they didn't see the pink one backing up on the same track, or why there was not some one sitting there to begin with? And I'm guessing the CM's standing at the TTC might've seen it coming but had no way to radio to tower or react fast enough to warn the driver to get out.

 

[sbell111]

... After reading that I can see how/why they over-rode the MAPO system. But what gets me, is if some one was sitting at the north tower why they didn't see the pink one backing up on the same track, or why there was not some one sitting there to begin with? And I'm guessing the CM's standing at the TTC might've seen it coming but had no way to radio to tower or react fast enough to warn the driver to get out.

According to the unofficial report, no one was in the tower when the direction to reverse into the station was given.

 

[SandrA9810]

Then the monorails should not have been in operation at all. That's like the most safety critical spot. Who ever was supposed to be there is going to be in BIG trouble. I would assume that person would have more guilt than the pink driver, that guy probably couldn't see what was going on.
I can't wait to hear what the official responce is going to be from Disney. But more and more it seems like a person's error that was over-riding the safety features to prevent this from happening.

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

.

 

[minnie56]

Truth of the matter is the "general public" will probably never know what truly happened, whether it be driver error or monorail error.

My brother (a monorail driver) called my mom this morning at 4AM to say he was "okay, not to worry" and that he couldn't tell her why he wasn't going to be working today. She had the hardest time even finding the story about the accident. It was all "hush hush"

Regardless of HOW it happened, that poor young man was so young to lose his life. What a tragic end to such a young life. It is so sad.

That's right- we will know what they want us to know. Only that.
I was involved, actually my DH, some years back in a bus 'incident'. I had to sign in front of a judge that I would not discuss it. Then my daughter and I were witness to another 'incident' last Aug (what is it with us????) and again, same thing. This time though we did have to give a statement to the Orange County Police in detail.

They are a big company with even bigger Lawyers!

 

[SandrA9810]

It's kinda funny, a few years ago I was driving on I-4, and there was a large truck towing the cab of monorail blue. I took a picture of it with my cell phone (I know shame on me), but I have since lost that phone. But it's funny though because the following day Blue was on the track. Are there more than one driver cab?? Unless it was some sort of prop/old mark IV. Definatly a strange sight to see driving on the highway.

 

[SandrA9810]

duplicate post

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

This is a very tragic day for the company. Having worked for Disney when several high profile incidents occurred and seeing the aftermath, I can assure you that nothing will be "swept under the rug." When I trained, it was drilled into me that safety was our number one priority, and most Cast Members I have met take the safety of ourselves and the guests very seriously. Unfortunately, hindsight is 20/20, but in my experience, Disney always goes above and beyond to correct it so it will not happen again. I have personally seen this response in action.

It's far too early to speculate at this point exactly what happened (although it sounds like several here may have been given a fairly accurat story from CMs in the know). What matters is that at this point a young man is dead, one who sounds like he was a wonderful CM who loved his job. His family is grieving. I will not even speculate as to who is to blame until more information is released. Sadly, whenever this type of thing happens, people start making up tales or speculating what happened and then rumors start which may tarnish the reputations of those involved. Again, I have seen this in action with another incident, and it only compounds the tragedy.

Prayers being said for all the CMs on this sad day, and for Austin's family.

 

[TruBlu]

So terrible. My heart goes out to all involved.

 

[RadioNate]

Truth of the matter is the "general public" will probably never know what truly happened, whether it be driver error or monorail error.

My brother (a monorail driver) called my mom this morning at 4AM to say he was "okay, not to worry" and that he couldn't tell her why he wasn't going to be working today. She had the hardest time even finding the story about the accident. It was all "hush hush"

Regardless of HOW it happened, that poor young man was so young to lose his life. What a tragic end to such a young life. It is so sad.

I don't know where you live but it is all over Orlando local news. Not really hush hush at all. Even WESH is reporting the online speculation about pink backing into purple while being taken out of service that a former pilot speculated.

I used to work in WDW transportation (not monorails) so this story has really affected me.

 

[Ephany]

My husband and 3 kids had a Driver named Austin about this age he was wonderful. If a Pix comes into the Paper or TV please post it . Its amazing how connected you can feel with people you meet so briefly. He said it was his dream job and was so wonderful with my kids. Would like to let family know how special he made our kids feel if it was him. No matter who it was it is so sad

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31747987?GT1=43001

Disney Vice President of Communications Michael Griffin identified the driver as 21-year-old Austin Wuennenberg. Griffin would not discuss how long Wuennenberg had been with Disney or the circumstances surrounding the crash. Disney officials also refused to talk about how the monorail system operates.

I didn't see this article mentioned yet, that poor family. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with them.

 

[ChrisFL]

It is incredibly unfortunate.

I've been reading other message boards and here is what I have heard. Monorail Pink's driver was on the other end of the monorail, Monorail Purple had the CM in it when the "back" of Pink ran into the front of Purple. Apparently Purple was stopped completely, and the driver of Pink didn't notice Purple was there.

It's still not clear to me about whether this happened in the station or just outside of the station and then was pushed in somehow. Clearly the video shows inside the station.

For those who don't know the operation, please don't make snap judgments about negligence and who should have been where. Clearly with 38 years of nearly flawless service, Disney Monorails have been the safest form of transport you can find anywhere. That said, obviously something failed, or possibly a series of things did.

It is a sad day for us all who love Disney and an even sadder day for the family and friends of the CM and also those who were unfortunate enough to witness it happen.

 

[TomLovesBecky]

I still can't find anything about this on TV?!?!?

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Yes the driver could have had some type of medical emergency. I work in a hospital, people crash their car all the time if they are having a stroke, heart attack, or diabetic reaction or seizure.

This should not have caused the accident. There are supposed to be three lines of defense for the monorail; the driver, the MAPO system, the tower, and additionally people have mentioned a central control station.

Two scenarios I thought of: Suicide or Heart Attack/Stroke/Etc. I didn't think either would be possible until I read that article that there is an override feature available to the monorail driver, which could have been intentionally or unintentionally engaged.

So, while I am more than sure it is some type of equipment/signal failure, there are other scenarios that could have taken place.

So far nobody has presented a scenario where Disney isn't at fault.

I'd say anything is possible, and we can't jump to any conclusions. We dont' know if it was mechanical or driver error. Of course DIsney has final responsibility, but doesn't mean accidents can't happen. From what I know, DIsney always tries to right any wrongs it may have. Don't let your emotions over this specific incident be so hasty in blame. We all know what happened is horrible, but just because you have your opinion, doesn't mean people can't hold off on forming theirs.

Even if it was driver error, the backup systems should have been in place to prevent him from making a fatal mistake. Mechanical error should have been picked up well before the train crashed. Accidents like this should not EVER happen.

Which is why the final safety systems take control out of the driver's hands completely, and should have applied the emergency brakes automatically. I'm wondering if we're maybe looking at a catestrophic failure of the braking systems? It's really far too early to tell though.

Andre

Several people have posted that the Pink's breaking system was behaving erratically that day.

Who knows if it was driver error, mechanical failure etc. It could have been anything. No way am I assigning any blame to anyone until we find out the actual cause. Naturally Disney will bear the brunt of the responsibility regardless and I am sure there will be changes made to how the monorail operates. I never suggested anything be swept under the carpet. I merely said I will not jump to any conclusions until I know more.

No, unless it was canada geese flying into the engines, it could not have been "anything". And if you don't think Disney doesn't sweep stuff under the carpet, check out the quotes below.

And I can tell you that during the Amtrak crash, after we were moved, stunned and bleeding, onto another train inbound into NYC, they had lawyers on the train who coerced my mother, who had a broken nose and foot and who had blood running down her shirt, and myself, a fourteen year old with a split open lip, to sign a form RIGHT THERE stating that we would take $1,000 in payment and agree not to pursue any futher action against Amtrak. My mother doesn't even remember signing the form, but we have a copy of it. You didn't see THAT part on the news, but that's what corporations do to protect themselves.

I really don't understand why everyone keeps saying that they will not ride in the front anymore (if its still allowed) Car accidents happen everyday, and many more people get killed in them. Do you still ride in cars?

Accidents are going to happen, anytime anywhere

Not on the monorail, and this wasn't an accident, it was negligence, incompetence, and lack of oversight. That poor castmember had to die for it to come to light, and that's the tragedy.

First of all this incident happened hours ago. This is not being "swept" under the rug. This requires more "investigation" and informatoin that happened hours ago. I wouldn't expect Disney to make a statement with solid conclusions until they know the answers/facts of what really happened. Secondly, they immediately shut the monorail system down that's the obvious first step. What would you expect them to do in less than 15 hours that they haven't already done. I dont' think you can expect Disney to be perfect. As long as they're operators for equipment there will be accidents. I definitely agree with the other person to wait and see what the answers are. Let's wait until we have all the facts instead of making assumptions.

Very tragic.

I would say that I'm not making assumptions; I'm making educated guesses, having been in a train wreck. I think Disney's statement where they refused to discuss the way the monorail works is the beginning of the sweeping.

I love how they go to the crossroads and get "opinions" from people that have probably heard nothing but what they just told them before going on camera.

The switch track not operating properly is the best thing I've heard as to how it actually happened. I did a google search and came up with a very old topic (2002) on another site. There were two monorail CM's discussing the safety features and how they changed tracks. It was definatly helpful in coming up with how it happened.

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=6118

After reading that I can see how/why they over-rode the MAPO system. But what gets me, is if some one was sitting at the north tower why they didn't see the pink one backing up on the same track, or why there was not some one sitting there to begin with? And I'm guessing the CM's standing at the TTC might've seen it coming but had no way to radio to tower or react fast enough to warn the driver to get out.

Nobody was in the north tower. Several castmembers have posted on other threads about the absense of personnel in that tower.

Truth of the matter is the "general public" will probably never know what truly happened, whether it be driver error or monorail error.

My brother (a monorail driver) called my mom this morning at 4AM to say he was "okay, not to worry" and that he couldn't tell her why he wasn't going to be working today. She had the hardest time even finding the story about the accident. It was all "hush hush"

Regardless of HOW it happened, that poor young man was so young to lose his life. What a tragic end to such a young life. It is so sad.

I agree, both about it being hush hush on disney grounds and about the castmember losing his life.

That's right- we will know what they want us to know. Only that.
I was involved, actually my DH, some years back in a bus 'incident'. I had to sign in front of a judge that I would not discuss it. Then my daughter and I were witness to another 'incident' last Aug (what is it with us????) and again, same thing. This time though we did have to give a statement to the Orange County Police in detail.

They are a big company with even bigger Lawyers!

Yep.

 

[Jennasis]

Sorry you were in atrain crash KJJ, but you need to calm down. They are called ACCIDENTS for a reason. You are right, they should never happen, but they do. Nobody has suggested Disney is innocent (if only due to lack of oversight).

Whether we know the truth or not, I am sure steps will be taken to ensure it never happens again. While it is unbelievably tragic that the CM lost his life, at least there weren't more fatalities.

 

[JPN4265]

This should not have caused the accident. There are supposed to be three lines of defense for the monorail; the driver, the MAPO system, the tower, and additionally people have mentioned a central control station.



So far nobody has presented a scenario where Disney isn't at fault.



Even if it was driver error, the backup systems should have been in place to prevent him from making a fatal mistake. Mechanical error should have been picked up well before the train crashed. Accidents like this should not EVER happen.



Several people have posted that the Pink's breaking system was behaving erratically that day.



No, unless it was canada geese flying into the engines, it could not have been "anything". And if you don't think Disney doesn't sweep stuff under the carpet, check out the quotes below.

And I can tell you that during the Amtrak crash, after we were moved, stunned and bleeding, onto another train inbound into NYC, they had lawyers on the train who coerced my mother, who had a broken nose and foot and who had blood running down her shirt, and myself, a fourteen year old with a split open lip, to sign a form RIGHT THERE stating that we would take $1,000 in payment and agree not to pursue any futher action against Amtrak. My mother doesn't even remember signing the form, but we have a copy of it. You didn't see THAT part on the news, but that's what corporations do to protect themselves.



Not on the monorail, and this wasn't an accident, it was negligence, incompetence, and lack of oversight. That poor castmember had to die for it to come to light, and that's the tragedy.



I would say that I'm not making assumptions; I'm making educated guesses, having been in a train wreck. I think Disney's statement where they refused to discuss the way the monorail works is the beginning of the sweeping.



Nobody was in the north tower. Several castmembers have posted on other threads about the absense of personnel in that tower.



I agree, both about it being hush hush on disney grounds and about the castmember losing his life.



Yep.

You are completely out of control and need to calm down. At this time you have no idea what you are talking about. This will be completely investagated, and not swept under any rug. Take a chill pill, and lay down for a nap.

 

[Sandy321]

You are completely out of control and need to calm down. At this time you have no idea what you are talking about. This will be completely investagated, and not swept under any rug. Take a chill pill, and lay down for a nap.

Sorry you were in atrain crash KJJ, but you need to calm down. They are called ACCIDENTS for a reason. You are right, they should never happen, but they do. Nobody has suggested Disney is innocent (if only due to lack of oversight).

Whether we know the truth or not, I am sure steps will be taken to ensure it never happens again. While it is unbelievably tragic that the CM lost his life, at least there weren't more fatalities.

I disagree. I found her posts informative, emotional, and raw. I dont agree with all she posted but I felt that she sounds like she is standing up for the driver, and not taking the news releases from corporate lawyers ... well... never mind.

Your posts sound like you are attacking, and emotional! as well... as mean - as if you are trying to bully her into having the same opinion - or to have her just go away.

to me that is sad. Why why when a tragedy occurs posters have to attack one another.

 

[Allison]

For those who don't know the operation, please don't make snap judgments about negligence and who should have been where.

I so agree with this. I'm amazed that people seem to be experts on monorail systems and know exactly how things happened and who is at fault. Some of the theories could be right but they shouldn't be presented as fact or absolute at this point.