Driver killed in monorail crash....

[polineedyan]

witnesses said it hit a stationary train, but when you look at some of the photos, it appears the stationary train was not at a monorail stop. not to start speculating, but maybe the stationary train did make the emergency stop?
Other photos show the monorails at a stop, presumably after being moved by the tractor?
My initial thoughts are, if it were EMH, and the one train only had 8 or so people on it, why would there be two running?
Either way, im sure details will follow. It is about the most unmagical thing that could happen, IMO..

 

[savannahjean85]

Our prayers go out to the Cm's family

 

[Disneyfied4]

Does anyone know if the accident occurred outside the TCC station or actually in the TCC station? One picture shows the 2 monrails outside the station, but the video shows the 2 trains in the station. The picture taken from outside the station still has the purple door closed........I'm guessing they moved the 2 trains together to get the driver and passengers?

 

[goofyernmost]

This is really sad news, however, it just amazes me that so many people here are literally leaping to conclusions about what will or will not happen. I'm sure that the investigation will be really intense and meticulous. What will happen after really depends on the outcome of that investigation.

Being in public transportation, I feel relatively certain that unless there is some damage to the track itself, the monorail service will start up again very soon. Put it in perspective. One fatal monorail accident in 36 years with multi-millions of people transported safely, is very impressive. But, as in the rest of life, crap happens.

I doubt that anything will change, other than perhaps enhanced safety procedures and if the it is found that the driver had a problem due to fatigue, the idea of people in the cab with him/her would actually have been a safety plus.

Condolences to the family of the driver and, at this point, I will wait to hear what the end results actually are.

 

[ArielRae]

Does anyone know if the accident occurred outside the TCC station or actually in the TCC station? One picture shows the 2 monrails outside the station, but the video shows the 2 trains in the station. The picture taken from outside the station still has the purple door closed........I'm guessing they moved the 2 trains together to get the driver and passengers?

What video have you seen? I haven't seen any videos. Can you link to it?

 

[Condorman]

I can't believe after 30+ years of monorail service at WDW, they still don't have engine-kill systems installed so that if one vehicle senses the presence of another within a given range, it automatically shuts down one or both vehicles. It is inconceivable to me how one monorail train could crash into another in this day and age, with so few trains on the track at any one time and absolutely no switch-tracks. When you consider the number of Disney buses on property, and that there have been no major (some minor) accidents like this, it boggles the mind. Whether or not it was the monorail driver's fault is irrelevant. Disney should have had safeguards in place to ever keep two trains from colliding.

They will/should suspend any guests from riding up front for a very long time.

They will/should suspend monorail service for at least 3-4 months while they install and test new safeguard systems.

Inexplicable and inexcusable are the only two words that come to mind. Oh, and one more... condolences.

 

[Disney Brat]

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the CM! Such a terrible tragedy!

 

[Disneyfied4]

What video have you seen? I haven't seen any videos. Can you link to it?

It's the one from the very first post of this thread......I just clicked on the link in that post

 

[blessedby3]

This is so sad. I didnt even believe my DH when he said it had happened. I said there was no way- everything was automated and safe. Had to see it for myself
I shudder to think of the many times we have let our 3 oldest (19, 14 and 10) ride up front together while DH and I ride in another car with the youngest. Wont be doing that again. I just never thought anything like this would happen.

 

[splashmountainjaxson]

As all have noted, this is a very sad tragedy. I feel horrible about the driver, and for his family, friends and fellow CMs.

Some have mentioned, this is the only incident on the monorail. Below is information I saw this on another thread ... regarding Previous Monorail Accidents.

All in all --- considering the operation length, and # of passengers transported, the Monorail has an amazing record of safety. I think that is important to keep in mind --

1974
A monorail train crashed into the train ahead of it, injuring a driver and two guests.
June 26, 1985
A fire engulfed the rear car of a monorail train in transit from Epcot to the Transportation and Ticket Center. The train was carrying 240 passengers, 40 of whom were in the burning car.
Passengers in the car kicked out side windows and climbed around the side of the train to reach the roof, where they were subsequently rescued by the Reedy Creek Fire Department.
Seven passengers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation or other minor injuries.
Aug. 30, 1991
A monorail train collided with a diesel maintenance work tractor near Disney’s Contemporary Resort as the tractor drove closely in front of the train to film it for a commercial. Two cast members were treated at a hospital for injuries.
Aug. 12, 1996
An electrical fire broke out on a train pulling into the Magic Kingdom station. The driver and the five passengers onboard exited safely.

 

[Disneyfun1]

The video is posted on main page as well.

 

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

This is heartbreaking to me. I bet that CM would have never dreamed he would be killed working for Disney. And the monorail is such a magical part of Disney...really tragic.


Is anyone going to be at WDW today? Maybe they will do a brief ceremony for the CM or something. If anyone hears anything about this I would love to know about it.

 

[seadd67]

I hope everyone turns out oh right!! our thoughts and prayers go out to all

 

[klj27]

I just watched the video a few times and it seems to me that the first two "guests" on the scene were actually plain clothes castmembers/security. There language is different from a regular guest and the monorail cm talks to them like they are there to help. It is nice to know that there are people around to help if you don't recognize them as such.

 

[phalynx]

The monorails have a crash avoidance system to keep them from running into the back of another train. We were in the front of one when they were required to do a test of the system. The driver said they do them several times a day. 1 monorail sits in the station and the other creeps up on it until it detects the one in front and then it shuts down. I wonder if this system failed, or rather it would have had to fail in order for this to have happened. Very sad. I loved riding in the front and I am afraid that will never be allowed again.

 

[mlittig]

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people involved in this tragedy. We just got home on Friday in the wee hours of the morning and like most of us, never thought about that anything like this could ever happen at the Happiest Place on Earth. Hugs to all involved.

 

[Ladybugsy]

This is so tragic. Is there any news on the deceased CM yet? All I have heard for sure is that it is a man. I know the loss of a family member is always hard, but I hope he didn't have young children.

I always feel sorrow when I hear of anything like this, but it normally doesn't bring tears like this does. Truly a tragedy in many many ways .

 

[Nikisha421]

sad sad story...I wish his family all the best at this time...and maybe some positive changes will happen because of this negative event!

 

[Allison]

This is so tragic. Is there any news on the deceased CM yet? All I have heard for sure is that it is a man. I know the loss of a family member is always hard, but I hope he didn't have young children.

I always feel sorrow when I hear of anything like this, but it normally doesn't bring tears like this does. Truly a tragedy in many many ways .

His name has been released on the Orlando Sentinel site. He was only 21.

 

[soupy11]

His name has been released on the Orlando Sentinel site. He was only 21.

Wow, so young. That really hurts. Condolences to his family, friends and co-workers...