Los Angeles, California – Rebecca Miller and her family expected a night of make-believe frights during the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot tour but were unexpectedly thrust into a real-life drama. As they boarded one of the last trams of the night on Saturday, they witnessed a four-car tram crash, injuring 15 people who were taken to hospitals for non life-threatening injuries.
Miller, along with her husband and two children, had just passed the King Kong and T. rex attraction when their tram suddenly came to a halt at a display of famous movie vehicles. Initially thinking it was a technical issue, Miller soon noticed a shift in the park employees’ demeanor, signaling something more serious was occurring.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department received an emergency call from the park after 9 p.m. The tram ahead of Miller’s had struck a rail while descending a hill near a parking structure, causing passengers to fall out of the car. The exact cause of the crash, potentially related to brake issues, was still under investigation.
Universal Studios indicated that the reported injuries were minor and that they were collaborating with authorities to investigate the incident. The park emphasized that safety was a top priority, implementing a modified tour route and reinforcing operational and safety measures.
The incident occurred during an event at the park that attracted thousands of Girl Scouts, including Miller’s daughter who was recognized for her exceptional cookie sales. Despite the tram mishap, the park remained active for the Girl Scouts event.
Earlier in the evening, another tram had stopped due to smoke and a noxious odor from brake pads, leading passengers to be transferred to a different tram. The Universal Studios tram tour, known as the World-Famous Studio Tour, is a key attraction at the theme park, offering a glimpse into famous movie sets and the history of Universal films.
As investigations continue into the tram crash, Universal Studios is set to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the iconic tour, showcasing the behind-the-scenes magic of Hollywood for visitors to enjoy.