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[Max]

I am in no way trying to be morbid or anything, but SDC seems to be a pretty safe park. There are a lot of deaths and accidents recorded at other parks, either SDC is good at keeping things concealed or they have an excellent safety record. Does anybody know of occurrences? I have read about possible deaths in the Cave, but was wondering if it was true.

[shavethewhales]

SDC always has been one of the safest, if not the safest parks in the world, but stuff does go wrong every blue moon. Something like 20 years ago there was a gruesome incident where a rider on FITH was killed when the train he was in was accidentally diverted into the maintainence area. The entry into the area was only as high as the car, so when it went through he was decapitated. Since then they've done such a good job of keeping everything run as safely as possible that there have been no other incidents involving major rider injury chain-wide, at least to my knowledge. (Has anyone ever died or been injured badly at DW?)

Also, as I just learned recently, there was an incident with the bridge holding part of the Lost River's queue just a few years ago, when part of it collapsed. One woman broke some bones in her leg. It was apparently just one of those structural oddities that occur out of the blue.

Other than those two incidents, I don't think much else has happened, thankfully. 

[Dukefan]

Has anyone ever died or been injured badly at DW?

No ride-related deaths that I know of, however there have been some mishaps though-

In 1989 there was an incident with Thunder Express (Dollywood's old Arrow mine train) where two trains bumped in the station when the brake run failed.   There were no serious injuries but some folks were bruised up.  It happened on opening weekend.

In 2004 a woman fell off the steam train when a drink was spilt on her.  I think she broke a few bones.

Then of course last summer Timber Tower got stuck.  Some people were stranded on the ride for 3+ hours.

[Joy]

Ah... If we're listing any mishaps, I should list the minor train bump that happened on Powderkeg in its station... Don't remember the exact details.

~ "Becky" Joy ~

[shavethewhales]

^The station brakes failed and an incoming train bumped into a train in the station at around 4 mph. The Herschends ended up sending a bunch of people to the hospital, even though no one was notably hurt.

[History Buff]

One time I was actually hit and run over by that invisible, ghostly wagon on the wooden bridge close to the candy shop!

[Copper]

Wow!!! That must have been terrible!

[History Buff]

I'm remembering a fire in the Flooded Mine a few years ago.  Employees evacuated the ride manually and were commended for their efficiency.

[Old Guy]

Many years ago the swinging bridge cable anchor broke when a large group (over 50)of not very bright teens decided to all jump together on it. They quickly samk new pillings and reinforced it so it could not happen again!

[Coaster]

^Did any of the teens get hurt in the incident? When was that?

[Old Guy]

As I recall a broken arm, cuts, bruses, etc. Late 70's early 80s's? There used to be a sign that said 'Built 1880 re-built 1881" that disapeared after that incedent.

[History Buff]

Isn't that still what the sign says?  I'm thinking it's still there.

[History Buff]

Well maybe not.  I just looked at the Swinging Bridge picture and it just says 1881.  I must just be remembering the old sign.

[Copper]

I think it was during a young Christians Week.

[Coaster]

^Lol, how odd would that be?