Re: Deadly Monorail Crash

**Keasmom** · 07-07-2009, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by WDW4Ever

I'm not trying to take away from the fact that someone died in this accident, but it was just that... an accident. Disney is not immune to accidents happening just because they're Disney. If you've ever seen the Modern Marvels show on WDW you'll know that on a standard operating day they run at 99.9% efficiency and on a bad day or week they run on 99.8%.

I agree, with Disney's safety record, this is a tragic accident, and only a tragic accident. While I suspect someone did not follow the rules, and somehow the safety guidelines were ignored, it is still an accident.

I feel bad for the guys family, and any affected guests and castmembers, but I am very concerned WHY the fed is sending the NTSB. Local trains and fairs harm more people then WDW, and the NTSB doesn't come there. I hope it is an easy to identify and fix issue BUT I would feel safe on a monorail right now.

**Nemoxoxo** · 07-07-2009, 01:18 PM

trusting disney is an easy thing for me. theres going to be an accident every once in awhile, although it is very tragic. of course my prayers go to the family of the cast member killed.

**clion** · 07-07-2009, 08:43 PM

I really don't know why the NTSB is interested. This is unprecedented. Is Uncle Sam just trying to meddle in Disney or is there something else going on?

**lizardlynn92** · 07-07-2009, 10:00 PM

Did anyone see the article about Disneyland and there monrail system? The headline was something like " Disneyland monorails run normally after crash". Now I know they checked their monorails for hazzards and such but come on, why wouldnt their monrails run normally? haha, they are all the way across the country. Just thought i'd share that funny moment with you.

**doconeill** · 07-07-2009, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by clion

I really don't know why the NTSB is interested. This is unprecedented. Is Uncle Sam just trying to meddle in Disney or is there something else going on?

I think you are reading too much into it. The NTSB is generally responsible for investigating transportation related safety issues, very similar to OSHA on the job side of things. This CRASH is unprecedented.

Admittedly NTSB does not worry too much about private transportation systems on private land, but the monorail is pretty unique in its ridership numbers, so it may fall under the public purview of the NTSB. No one at Disney seems to be questioning their involvement that I've seen, only some media and people posting on forums.

Originally Posted by lizardlynn92

Did anyone see the article about Disneyland and there monrail system? The headline was something like " Disneyland monorails run normally after crash". Now I know they checked their monorails for hazzards and such but come on, why wouldnt their monrails run normally? haha, they are all the way across the country. Just thought i'd share that funny moment with you.

Because the systems are related, it is often the case that a related system would be shut down especially if there is suspicion of functional or safety failure to inspect the related systems and be certain that procedures are up to date and being followed. Of course, the DL system operates differently anyways.

I'd be interested in knowing if they also suspended guests in the cockpit.

I do agree, the headline does get a curious smile though...

**BusDriver** · 07-08-2009, 10:27 AM

There is some awesome video on the Orlando Sentinel website, taken by a family a week before the tragedy. It shows them, Grandparents and their grandson, in the Cabin with Austin. The video shows Austin really loved his job and was a great CM!

The Grandmother sent the video to the Sentinel along with a great e-mail.

CAUTION: This will likely make you cry as I did!

Disney World monorail crash: Family from cherishes memories of their recent monorail ride with pilot Austin Wuennenberg - OrlandoSentinel.com

**Keasmom** · 07-09-2009, 12:54 PM

AHHHH, that was really sweet and it did make me cry. What al ovely young guy. Thanks for the link.

**Keasmom** · 07-09-2009, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by clion

I really don't know why the NTSB is interested. This is unprecedented. Is Uncle Sam just trying to meddle in Disney or is there something else going on?

Well, with WDW and Disney Corp in general, there does tend to be a lack of information and ALL incidents go away rather quickly. I suspect the NTSB is interested in knowing exactly what happened so that it can be taught, presented and prevented. I agree though, it IS unprecedented for NTSB to be involved, also the OSHA involvement is unusual.

Maybe the truth will be known and safety can be back to normal standards.

**clion** · 07-09-2009, 04:33 PM

NTSB official preliminary report:
Press Advisory

**DopeyDancer87** · 07-10-2009, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by clion

NTSB official preliminary report:
Press Advisory

Thank you for posting this! I am glad they didn't wait weeks to give us an idea of what went wrong...looks like it was human error on the part of the person who was operating the track switch...so sad

**doconeill** · 07-10-2009, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by DopeyDancer87

...looks like it was human error on the part of the person who was operating the track switch...so sad

Well, we don't know really who was at fault yet, other than it was a human error. Did the shop worker say they threw the switch and not do it? Did the controller not verify that the switch was thrown before clearing the driver?

Three people have been suspended - a driver (the Pink driver, but that may be for emotional reasons), a shop worker, and a transportation manager. But the investigation is ongoing.

**dag0620** · 07-10-2009, 11:47 PM

Well one thing for sure is the big speculation I herd about happens to be so far true. It didnt blaime who was at fault, but never the less, everything I herd and belived is true.

**dag0620** · 07-10-2009, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by clion

I really don't know why the NTSB is interested. This is unprecedented. Is Uncle Sam just trying to meddle in Disney or is there something else going on?

Im Iffy on thos one. On the one hand, I have to agree with Doc on this, on the other, Ive seen accidents where you think the NTSB would get involved and they haven't. This could go either way.

All we can do is wait and see.