Tragic accident in the icon park: security deficiencies live!

Tragic accident in the icon park: security deficiencies live!

ICON-Park, Orlando, Florida, USA - A shocking incident in the Icon Park in Orlando, Florida, sparked a worldwide discussion about the security of entertainment parks in March 2022. The 14-year-old Tyre Sampson tragically fell from a free fall tower, which was at a dizzying 131 meters, and succumbed to his injuries. The attraction, which was only opened in December 2021, allowed speeds of up to 120 km/h. At that time, the tower was fully occupied, as Tyre, which was with his height of 1.95 meters and a weight of 150 kilograms at the border of the safety precautions, slipped out of his seat. According to reports, the safety bar was not correctly closed, which led to the fatal fall. An eyewitness described the dramatic seconds: "At first we thought it was part of the driving business until we got closer and saw that it was a person. Everyone was panicked and shouted." As [Vol.at] reported.

legal consequences and processing

The investigations after the accident showed a worrying negligence: additional straps that would have cost only $ 660 could probably have prevented Tyre's fall. His family is indefinent and asks critical questions about security: "Why did nobody point out my son that he may not be able to drive safely?" Asked Tyre's father. The incident now has legal consequences. Tyrolean Funtime Handels GmbH, manufacturer of the Frefall Tower, was sentenced to a record penalty of $ 310 million in the United States, which is to be fully paid to Tyre's family, as [Vol.at] reported. But the enforcement of this payment requires a further legal step in Austria.

After the accident, the driving attraction was immediately shut down and is now to be broken down permanently. The Slingshot Group, the operator of the attraction, expressed its deep regret and emphasized that everything would be done to support the ongoing studies: "We are absolutely sad and soiling about what happened. Our hearts are with the family of this young man." The tragedy around Tyre Sampson makes it clear how important security measures are in amusement parks to prevent such incidents in the future.