Walt Disney World monorail in fatal crash

A train operator was killed in head-on collision between two trains.

Travel Insurance News - 09/07/2009

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A witness to the incident, who called emergency services, said: “A monorail was waiting to come into the station ... or it did not leave the station, and the other one cleared through the station, and there was a head-on collision.”

The popular theme park was closed to the public when the accident occurred early on Sunday morning. According to Disney spokeswoman, Zoraya Suarez, one of the trains was being transferred off the rail line. She would not provide any details about the crash.

Sheri Blanton, a medical examiner's office spokeswoman, said that Austin Wuennenberg, the 21-year-old driver, died from multiple injuries sustained in the incident.

On Monday, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said it plans to investigate whether any safety rules had been broken, according to Mike D'Aquino, a spokesman for the federal agency. He noted that it could take up to six months to complete the investigation.

If the agency finds reason to issue a citation, Disney World could face thousands of dollars in fines. The Orlando-based Orange County Sheriff is also investigating the driver’s death.

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