Driver killed in monorail crash....

[Katieinwonderland]

I wasn't going to comment on here because it would just be echoing other posters thoughts and condolences.

But I want to say that I think the CM who told the guest taping to turn the camera off absolutely did the right thing. I'm a CM and I would have done the same thing. Some people might think that we all have a right to see what happened, but I disagree. I always want to think the best of people, so I am going to say that I hope the person taping just started taping in a kind of 'I can't believe this is happening way' and I hope they didn't turn the tape over to the media. I hope it was somehow leaked. I think putting things like that on the internet is a little disturbing.

 

[Cmbar]

My thoughts and prayers go out to this young man's family.

And, I have to say, I've skimmed a few threads about this and seen the random post (here and there) about hoping the monorail is open in time for their vacations because they're staying at a resort on the line, they're paying a lot for it, etc. Really? I'm sure if this was your child/friend/family member, you wouldn't been looking at it that way.

I understand it is open again today, but it really makes me wonder about some people when that's enough of a concern to post it on here, or if that's even the major thought in your head when you heard the news. That family lost someone they loved; it wouldn't even cross my mind to think "well, I sure hope it's open by the time I go to WDW."

God Bless, Austin.

Heather, I think we all are saddended by this tragedy. I however disagree that the people who were nervous about the monorail being shut down indefinitely shouldn't be able to express their concern. I don't know if you have paid 400 plus a night to stay on a monorail resort, but I can tell you that it is a hefty price to pay to stay at these resorts and then have your whole experience be totally different. I think it is a natural response to say that they are concerned. I just got back and I would have been very dissappointed to have never ridden the monorail the entire time. But safety comes first and I personally wouldn't want to ride the monorail if it wasn't safe so I would hope Disney would keep it down until safety was assured.

Try not to be too hard on these people who would like their very expensive vacation to be as they were planned. I don't believe that the CM Disney lost would want any of the guest experiences to be ruined by this tragedy. Plus it just is almost impractical to think that Disney could function without the Monrail on one of the busiest weeks in their year. Unless someone said "screw the dead kid, I want my monorail because I paid for it" then I don't think we have a right (those who have not paid for an expensive resort for this week of vacation) to be judgemental of them. Again, JMHO!

 

[kaysmommie]

This is such a tragedy . Just last month they had room in the front car for only two people. My friend and I let our DD's both 9 ride upfront, with us in the next car. Just freaks me out a bit. That video was impossible to watch and not be sick to your stomach. My thoughts and prayers for Austin and his family, as well the Disney CM's involved.

 

[kristinlynn]

Do you think Disney will ever explain to the world what really happened? The fact the monorails are running again would leave many to believe that Disney has identified and addressed the problem...so why no explanation?

While Disney is being very quiet, the local media seem to be looking for anyone who will talk…reliable or not. I saw a report last night where they interviewed a former CM and asked “do you think the monorails are safe” and he answered “oh, not at all, completely out of date”. No further explanation, no facts behind this response, just a former CM saying the monorails are not safe. I doubt that’s the type of press Disney is looking for and as a huge Disney fan, I hate seeing that.

While I understand that for legal reasons Disney needs to be very careful about their response, I would think they’d want to appear transparent…it’s kinda bugging me that they’re not. More than 24 hours and no real information from Disney yet.

 

[DT83097]

The whole situation is awful and I hope they can determine the exact cause whether human, mechanical or both so that no other family has to endure a loss like this. Prayers go out to the entire Wuennenberg family, the other monorail driver and all CM's and guests that witnessed this horrible accident.

 

[daveyc150]

Do you think Disney will ever explain to the world what really happened? The fact the monorails are running again would leave many to believe that Disney has identified and addressed the problem...so why no explanation?

The fact that the monorails have re-opened so quickly to me seems to suggest that there was either a fault with one of them and it's now out of action therefore no further risk, or that the accident was caused by human error. It seem difficult to believe that if there was an overall issue with the monorail's/track/operations that they could have fixed it within the short period of time that they have had.

My thoughts are with the CM's involved and their families.

 

[Goofy4]

Do you think Disney will ever explain to the world what really happened?

As you suggest, I think they know what happened and that it has nothing to do with 'normal' transportation operation of the monorail. I think we're just waiting for the official statement to be reviewed many times over (and likely with the families involved) before release.

 

[inkkognito]

While Disney is being very quiet, the local media seem to be looking for anyone who will talk…reliable or not. I saw a report last night where they interviewed a former CM and asked “do you think the monorails are safe” and he answered “oh, not at all, completely out of date”. No further explanation, no facts behind this response, just a former CM saying the monorails are not safe. I doubt that’s the type of press Disney is looking for and as a huge Disney fan, I hate seeing that.

And the irony is, we don't know whether the people they are interviewing have any knowledge whatsoever that would qualify their opinion and whether they are a happy ex-employee or someone who is disgruntled and wants to make Disney look bad. Or they could even be saying negative things because they know those are the most likely to get on TV. Sad.

 

[ParrotBill]

Kristin, your comments are one of the reasons that I think there is nothing wrong with taking pictures or video during such a scene. I also feel this is an open society and we do not supress things to protect the interests of people and corporations. I am sure the reason for the CM's "no video" response was not based on concern for victim's needs. Although private property, courts often rule that if you open your doors to the public you must expect and accept certain things, and picture taking has been one of those often rules this way.

Many times a tragedy has happened that investigators wish someone had been taking video. People's recall is notoriously bad about such events "Monorail RED for example. Eyewitness accounts can be amazingly different between two people who were standing together.

News reports as recent as this morning still report the monorail motions with conflicting descriptions. One reported that monorail Purple came into the station and overran the station and into Pink.

For those asking about the video, just go to any news story, they all have the video.


I think that the most likely scenario from the pieces we can see is that control intended to switch Pink and told them to back with override. The switch was not set properly, the driver of Pink did not see until too late he was backing into the station. Purple would have already come into the station (under override since Pink was so close) and stopped to disembark. he could not have backed away from the approaching Pink because either (a) he was in forward motion and was somewhat stunned to see Pink coming the opposite way - too little time to come to a stop and then reverse... or posible already stopped and doors opening, in which case the motion is probably blocked while doors are open.

I hope we learn what did happen some time. It would be reassuring to know what kind of error it was. Either way, I will also be riding in front again if it's allowed.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

i know there have been a few other accidents with the monorail but is this the first death?

i think disney should put a memorial plaque up of some kind. maybe on the lower level near the entrance.

i hope they do do it somewhere

I totally agree. I understand Disney wanting to sweep this under the rug, but he deserves to be honored and remembered. Kind of like white crosses along the highways where a crash was.

 

[honey11dog]

We just got back from Disney this morning. We were staying at the Poly near the TTC and took that monorail from Epcot earlier that day. We never heard the crash. The next morning we were going to AK and thought it was strange to see a bus at the Poly for the MK. Then I realized that there was no sound of the monorail. Later that day in the hotel lobby staff were being asked question after question about why the monorails were not working. Guests at Disney would have no idea if it were not for family calling and telling them. There was nothing even mentioned on any channel in the hotel rooms or in the papers we got the next morning. CM just told us there was an incident and they could make no further comment. I will tell you that Disney handled the crowds as well as they could. We were at MK last night and they did added another Spectromagic performance to keep the crowds from all leaving after the fireworks. They had to hire charter buses to get everyone around and Bay Lake was full of boats. I was a bit afraid that there might be a boat collision from all the traffic. I can see why Disney needs to get the monorails up and running. It is a transportation nightmare to be without the monorails.
My heart goes out to the families involved. You could tell that the Disney employees were having a hard time keeping a cheery face under such sad circumstances. It was very odd seeing the Magic Kingdom all aglow and not see the monorails running along the tracks. A very odd and sad way to end a Disney trip.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I wasn't going to comment on here because it would just be echoing other posters thoughts and condolences.

But I want to say that I think the CM who told the guest taping to turn the camera off absolutely did the right thing. I'm a CM and I would have done the same thing. Some people might think that we all have a right to see what happened, but I disagree. I always want to think the best of people, so I am going to say that I hope the person taping just started taping in a kind of 'I can't believe this is happening way' and I hope they didn't turn the tape over to the media. I hope it was somehow leaked. I think putting things like that on the internet is a little disturbing.

I too agree that the running with the camera was wrong! It is an invasion of one's privacy. At that point, they didn't know the CM had died, but knowing he was dead and having the camera run has a total different outlook. His family must be horrified seeing that clip. It's like the auto accidents on I-4 (or where ever) and you see the car, you pray it is't your loved one, but cannot make out the plate number. The people who post, they hope the monorail is open by the time they get their are probably also the same that hope the interstate is opened after a deadly crash too.. Many are insensitive to others. They may not realize it and mean no harm by it. In today's society, that is how many are rasied. With the news media and accidents, they have made many become that way, inconvienced by the accident (ie: traffic updates). Sad but true.

With that being said, my heart goes out to this young man's family as well as his Disney family. I am sure he was loved by many and will be missed by all as well. hugs to all

 

[OBChristine]

My prayers are going out for CM Austin and his family.

I was wondering if the trains had black boxes like airplanes do. If so it would be a great help in finding out what really happpened.

 

[rabyoga]

My heart/thoughts and prayers go out to the CM's family. Although his life was short, he helped contributed to helping making the world a better place- he drove a monorail. A monorail ride for many is a highlight of a Disney vacation (It certainly has been for us). I like to think that he's talking with Walt in heaven now- Walt giving him a pat on the back for helping people have a "magical day".

 

[sarcasticfiesta]

I just read about this. Prayers go out to his family and friends.
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/19954891/detail.html

 

[HeatherBelle614]

Heather, I think we all are saddended by this tragedy. I however disagree that the people who were nervous about the monorail being shut down indefinitely shouldn't be able to express their concern. I don't know if you have paid 400 plus a night to stay on a monorail resort, but I can tell you that it is a hefty price to pay to stay at these resorts and then have your whole experience be totally different. I think it is a natural response to say that they are concerned. I just got back and I would have been very dissappointed to have never ridden the monorail the entire time. But safety comes first and I personally wouldn't want to ride the monorail if it wasn't safe so I would hope Disney would keep it down until safety was assured.

Try not to be too hard on these people who would like their very expensive vacation to be as they were planned. I don't believe that the CM Disney lost would want any of the guest experiences to be ruined by this tragedy. Plus it just is almost impractical to think that Disney could function without the Monrail on one of the busiest weeks in their year. Unless someone said "screw the dead kid, I want my monorail because I paid for it" then I don't think we have a right (those who have not paid for an expensive resort for this week of vacation) to be judgemental of them. Again, JMHO!

I will have to agree to disagree with you. It takes me 3 hands to count how many of my CLOSE friends and family I have lost in tragic accidents such as this. Many of them were in horrific car accidents; if I heard someone say "wow, that's horrible, but I hope the highway is open by the time I need to use it," I'd consider that insensitive to the loved ones of those involved in the accident.

I've been to WDW over 20 times and have had some very pricey vacations, but even knowing that, you still GET to go on your trip with your family/friends. Be thankful for that, is how I feel about it; WDW will still make sure you get to your destinations, with or without the monorail running. Yes, you may have to wait longer, but cherish that time you have there as is.

That poor young man's family will never get that chance again. If it's that much of a concern, then downgrade to a mod. Either way, you (being the complaints I've read) are fortunate enough to be there with your loved ones; appreciate that for what it's worth. Life is too short, and quite often ended too abrubtly, to worry that a monorail being closed (due to a tragic accident) makes your vacation not worth what you're paying.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I just found out today... and came here to find out what happened. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and also the survivors (expecially the other driver).

I'm undecided as to whether or not I will want my children riding in the front, but I agree that safety procedures will be increased after this tragedy, so it will probably be safer than ever.

your children are safer in that front monorail car than they are in your own car on a highway. Look at the stats.. this is the first fatality in 38 years. Can you say that for highways? It is a very sad horrible accident. Don't let this accident change your mind on a monorail ride for your children. Think of auto accidents.. they take many lives everyday! and that is a sad fact.

 

[kristinlynn]

As you suggest, I think they know what happened and that it has nothing to do with 'normal' transportation operation of the monorail. I think we're just waiting for the official statement to be reviewed many times over (and likely with the families involved) before release.

I guess my concern is that this is news now. While Disney fans and disers will wait to hear every last word of this, to the general public, the story being told right now is what will be remembered. Disney has a very small time frame to step out and make the facts known.

At the end of the day, Disney will have to take some sort of responsibility for this and I’m sure that is a very hard message to craft and get approval on. Disney has an incredible record of public safety…but people don’t care or think about the last 38 years, they are thinking about the image of two monorails crumpled together and remembering when they rode in them.

People want answers, entitlement to those answers is being debated in this thread, but all the same, people want answers and the media is looking to give them something. As a result, the world is seeing news reports full errors. As I’m reading and seeing all of this speculation, my first thought is that poor family. From the information posted in this thread (which again isn’t concrete), to me it seems that the driver who was killed was not responsible for what happened, yet there is still speculation over his role and what he should and shouldn’t have done. For his family, I hope there is some type of statement from Disney that absolves him from any wrongdoing.

As a guest, I want a statement from Disney that assures me and the world that Disney is taking responsibility and doing what it can to make things right (or as right as they can be), this includes addressing any safety concerns and a proper memorial to the victim (whether it’s a scholarship or his name in the park somewhere, something needs to be done IMHO).

I just hope we see a statement from Disney with some facts before more speculation is spread.

This entire situation is just so sad, I feel so badly for everyone involved

 

[Tinkerbell's Mom]

I just sat and read all 29 pages of posts, this is such a tragic event, my heart and prayers go out to every person involved, especially to Austin's family and to the CM driving the pink monorail, what a horrible thing to deal with, even if it wasn't his fault.

I do hope at some point Disney gives a statement telling what went wrong to cause this, but I also understand the reasoning of them staying very quiet right now.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I will have to agree to disagree with you. It takes me 3 hands to count how many of my CLOSE friends and family I have lost in tragic accidents such as this. Many of them were in horrific car accidents; if I heard someone say "wow, that's horrible, but I hope the highway is open by the time I need to use it," I'd consider that insensitive to the loved ones of those involved in the accident.

I've been to WDW over 20 times and have had some very pricey vacations, but even knowing that, you still GET to go on your trip with your family/friends. Be thankful for that, is how I feel about it; WDW will still make sure you get to your destinations, with or without the monorail running. Yes, you may have to wait longer, but cherish that time you have there as is.

That poor young man's family will never get that chance again. If it's that much of a concern, then downgrade to a mod. Either way, you (being the complaints I've read) are fortunate enough to be there with your loved ones; appreciate that for what it's worth. Life is too short, and quite often ended too abrubtly, to worry that a monorail being closed (due to a tragic accident) makes your vacation not worth what you're paying.

very well said, there have been family's killed on their way to Disney. One of my friend's best friend's were killed on their way home from their Disney vacation.. life is too short & precious to worry about a $400 a night vacation and the monorail being opened. I can see if it were out due to an electrical outage or something, but not a death. Someone lost their life, not a day of their vacation.. no more family trips for them... I guess some just don't grasp that concept because they have never lost a loved one.. or cannot remember the pain of that loss.