Screenshot, KCAL, Cropped by Resist the Mainstream

A tram collision at Universal Studios Hollywood in California resulted in injuries to over a dozen people on Saturday night.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, the tram’s driver reported a mechanical failure that caused one of the tram cars to collide with a rail around 9 p.m. PT, leading to several passengers falling out.

Fifteen individuals were transported to local hospitals with injuries, as reported by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

A spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood confirmed the incident.

“There was a tram incident at the theme park tonight that resulted in multiple minor injuries, confirmed by the LA County Fire Dept,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by CNN.

This invididual added, “We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident.”

Aerial footage captured by KCAL depicted several people receiving treatment from paramedics, including at least one person who was carried away on a stretcher. The park has not provided additional details regarding the tram’s malfunction. Universal Studios Hollywood uses these trams for a popular studio tour that includes various filming locations and 3-D experiences on the backlot.

The tram at Universal Studios Hollywood, famously known as the Studio Tour, has a storied history that dates back to its inception in 1964. Originally launched to allow visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse of real movie and television production, the tram ride quickly became a highlight, offering unique insights into the functioning of a working film studio. Over the years, the tram has evolved, incorporating technological enhancements and thematic attractions that narrate stories from various iconic films and TV shows produced by Universal. This ride not only provides entertainment but also educates guests on the complexities of film production.

Universal Studios Hollywood, situated in Universal City, California, opened its doors on July 15, 1964, initially offering tours of its film studio lot. As it developed into a full-scale amusement park, it introduced various rides and attractions based on popular movies produced by Universal Pictures. The park is renowned for pioneering the concept of integrating real film production work with entertainment attractions, blending robust storytelling techniques with advanced technology to create immersive experiences. Over the decades, Universal Studios Hollywood has expanded significantly, adding new attractions and lands that resonate with major cinematic releases, thereby cementing its status as a major tourist destination.

Accidents at amusement parks, while rare, have made headlines due to their dramatic and sometimes tragic nature. One of the most famous incidents occurred in March 1999 when Italian fashion model Fabio Lanzoni was struck in the face by during the inaugural ride of Apollo’s Chariot, a roller coaster at Busch Gardens (owned by Anheuser-Busch) Williamsburg, Virginia.

Accounts differ as to the entity which collided with Fabio’s handsome face: The park claimed that it was a bird who had not yet adjusted to the presence of the high-speed roller coaster, whereas the Italian model claims it might have been a piece of debris.

Fabio was outspoken after the incident in expressing his safety concerns about the park, marking it as the second-most notorious controversy involving a long-haired biological male and the Anheuser-Busch brewing company.