Video: Train derailment injures 7 at Mo. theme park
Several passengers were trapped inside the train after the incident; providers transported six Silver Dollar City visitors and one employee
By Mike Stunson
The News & Observer
BRANSON, Mo. — Seven people were injured when a train derailed at Silver Dollar City, the Branson, Missouri, theme park said.
The derailment occurred Wednesday, Oct. 26, on the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train ride. Photos and video shared on social media show train cars toppled along the track.
Six park guests and one employee were taken by ambulance to medical facilities, according to Silver Dollar City. No one had life-threatening injuries, Stone County Office of Emergency Management Director Tom Martin told KOLR.
“At this time, we are wholeheartedly focused on providing support for guests and team members in partnership with Stone County first responders,” the park said.
A cause for the derailment was unknown as of Thursday morning. Missouri’s Division of Fire Safety said in a Twitter post Wednesday night it was investigating, and would continue its investigation Thursday.
“We got our money’s worth at Silver Dollar City today,” park guest Gary Eldridge said in a Facebook post. “Fortunately we were in the only car that didn’t flip over.”
Another passenger, Adam Swenka, said it will be a while until he is comfortable going on rides again. He said some guests were trapped inside the train and could only escape by scaling 10 feet to reach the top of the train car.
”I’m really surprised there weren’t more broken bones from the way the train car in front of us whipped into the ground,” Swenka added.
The Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train takes passengers on a 20-minute ride along the Ozark countryside that surrounds the theme park, according to Silver Dollar City’s website.
The @MoFireMarshal Amusement Ride Safety Unit investigation is continuing this morning with no determination made at this preliminary stage. The ride had an up to date operating permit and Silver Dollar City is fully cooperating with the investigation. https://t.co/noexWdpvMo
— Div. of Fire Safety (@MoFireMarshal) October 27, 2022
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