Hershey Park, a popular amusement park in Pennsylvania, has experienced several ride malfunctions and safety incidents over the years. These incidents have raised concerns about ride safety, maintenance protocols, and emergency procedures. From rollercoaster accidents to water ride mishaps, the park has faced various challenges in ensuring visitor safety while maintaining its thrilling attractions.
What are the Most Notable Hershey Park Ride Malfunctions?
Hershey Park has experienced several significant ride malfunctions and safety incidents over the years:
- Tidal Force Incident (2003): Six people were injured due to low water levels causing the ride to hit a protective guardrail.
- Miniature Train Accident (2002): Three children were hurt when a miniature train tipped over while rounding a curve.
- Comet Rollercoaster Incident (1998): A 7-year-old boy suffered a stroke after riding the Comet rollercoaster.
- SooperDooperLooper Accident (1998): A 26-year-old man was thrown from the coaster and seriously injured.
These incidents highlight the potential risks associated with amusement park rides and the importance of proper maintenance and safety protocols.
How Frequent are Ride Malfunctions at Hershey Park?
While exact statistics on ride malfunctions are not publicly available, we can gain some insight from reported injury data:
- Over a two-year period (2009-2010), there were 137 serious injuries reported at Hershey Park.
- These injuries occurred on various attractions, including:
- Giant Rain Forest ride
- Sidewinder
- Pony carts
- Skyride
- Flowrider
- Hydroflume
It’s important to note that not all injuries are necessarily due to ride malfunctions, as some may result from user error or other factors.
What Types of Injuries Occur from Ride Malfunctions?
Injuries resulting from ride malfunctions and accidents at Hershey Park have included:
- Lacerations
- Chipped teeth
- Neck and back pain
- Electrical burns
- Fractured bones
- Ankle sprains
- Traumatic brain injuries
These injuries can occur during various phases of the ride experience, including boarding, riding, and exiting.
How Does Hershey Park Respond to Ride Malfunctions?
Hershey Park has established protocols for responding to ride malfunctions and accidents:
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Immediate Medical Attention: In cases like the 2003 Tidal Force incident, injured visitors are promptly taken to nearby medical facilities, such as Hershey Medical Center.
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Staff Training: Park employees are trained to handle emergencies, including:
- Safe evacuation of riders
- Providing first aid
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Communicating with guests
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Public Communication: The park uses a public address system to communicate with guests during emergencies and throughout rides.
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Ride Closure and Inspection: After an incident, the affected ride is typically closed for inspection and repairs. For example, the Tidal Force ride remained closed through the week of July 4th following the 2003 incident.
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Safety Enhancements: Following accidents, Hershey Park often implements safety improvements. For instance, after a 1987 waterway incident, the park rebuilt the waterway and added additional operator posts and a new public address system.
What are Hershey Park’s Maintenance and Inspection Procedures?
Hershey Park employs several strategies to maintain ride safety:
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Regular Inspections: Rides undergo frequent safety checks to identify potential issues before they become problematic.
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Routine Maintenance: The park prioritizes ongoing maintenance to keep rides in optimal condition.
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Post-Incident Reviews: After any safety incident, the park conducts thorough investigations to determine causes and prevent future occurrences.
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Safety Feature Updates: When necessary, Hershey Park updates rides with new safety features or rebuilds sections to enhance safety.
Despite these measures, mechanical failures and design defects can still occur if maintenance protocols are not strictly followed.
How Do Ride Malfunctions Impact Park Operations?
Ride malfunctions can have several effects on Hershey Park’s operations:
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Operational Delays: Malfunctions often lead to ride closures for inspection and repair, causing delays and potentially impacting overall park operations.
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Increased Wait Times: With certain rides closed or operating at reduced capacity, wait times for other attractions may increase.
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Guest Satisfaction: Frequent ride closures or safety concerns can negatively impact visitor experience and satisfaction.
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Attendance Impact: While specific data is not available, persistent safety issues could potentially affect park attendance over time.
What Rights Do Visitors Have If Injured at Hershey Park?
If you’re injured at Hershey Park due to a ride malfunction, you may have certain rights:
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Medical Attention: You’re entitled to immediate medical care for any injuries sustained on park premises.
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Compensation: Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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Legal Recourse: In cases of negligence or improper maintenance, you may have grounds for legal action against the park.
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Information: You have the right to be informed about the risks associated with rides and to receive clear safety instructions.
It’s important to document any incidents thoroughly and seek legal advice if you believe the park was negligent in ensuring your safety.
Conclusion
While Hershey Park strives to maintain a safe environment for its visitors, ride malfunctions and accidents have occurred over the years. The park’s response to these incidents, including enhanced safety measures and improved communication protocols, demonstrates a commitment to visitor safety. However, the occurrence of such incidents underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance in ride maintenance, staff training, and safety procedures to minimize risks and ensure a enjoyable experience for all park guests.