Florida is known as the theme park capital of the world. However, not all vacation destinations are created equally. Places like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Florida employ rigorous safety standards. Smaller parks near these behemoths try their best to maintain similar safety protocols, but accidents can still occur.
Fun Spot Ride Accident
Fun Spot in Kissimmee was the latest location of an awful and heartwrenching situation in early August. The incident involved a six-year-old boy found seriously injured beneath the Galaxy Spin roller coaster. Surprisingly, the Florida amusement park accident did not get the media coverage one would expect, as many locals had no idea it even happened!
The Galaxy Spin roller coaster has been a staple of Fun Spot for years, but it all came crashing down when the child’s tragic fall from the ride occurred. While the initial reports were ambiguous, recent updates have shed light on the heartbreaking incident. It has now been confirmed that the young boy was riding the Galaxy Spin when he was flung from the coaster and fell 20 feet to the ground below.
According to Screamscape, the incident’s circumstances appear connected to the child’s actions on the ride. Although he met the height requirement of 48 inches to ride independently, early indications suggest that he may have attempted to stand up during the ride, leading to his fall. The full details are pending an ongoing investigation to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the accident.
The Galaxy Spin attraction has been closed at the park since the accident. Luckily, media outlets have reported that the Louisiana child is recovering, although his traumatic injuries were very serious. Body cam footage of the paramedics indicates that the scene was intense and disturbing for everyone involved.
Safety Changes Made
In response to this tragic occurrence, Fun Spot has significantly revised its height requirements for various attractions within the park, including less intense rides like the bumper cars and funhouse. The park wants to prevent an occurrence like this from happening again and hopes additional safety procedures help.
Tragic Orlando Theme Park Incidents
This isn’t the only shocking Florida attraction accident in recent years. In March 2022, a teen died after coming loose from the restraints on an ICON Park ride and falling extremely far down. The International Drive attraction, Orlando Freefall Drop Tower, sent passengers down 400 feet of freefall. Investigations led to the discovery that the teenager was allowed on the ride even though he was larger than the limit required for safety. Orlando Freefall Drop Tower never reopened after the accident.
Disney Fanatic will provide updates as this new Fun Spot investigation continues and more details emerge. Though such incidents are rare, it is important to recognize that they can occur.
