15 hurt when tram crashes at Universal Studios
15 people were injured when a tram carrying tourist through the backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood struck a guardrail and tossed them from the vehicle on Saturday night.
The incident occurred just after 9 p.m., during the famed studio and theme park tour. Authorities say the tram was passing the Jurassic Park exhibit and was making a left to go northbound on Avenue M.
During the turn, the last tram car struck a guardrail on the right side and tilted, causing several passengers to fall out and onto the road. According to the California Highway Patrol, 15 passengers were transported to a local hospital for minor to moderate injuries.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation, but authorities have confirmed that alcohol and drugs are not considered factors in the crash.
Officials with the California Highway Patrol will be leading the investigation.
A Universal Studios spokesperson provided a statement to KTLA saying:
“There was a tram incident at the theme park tonight that resulted in multiple minor injuries, confirmed by the LA County Fire Dept. We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident.”
Officials implemented some new attractions along the tour route on Friday and planned to add new features to the popular Studio Tour through Aug. 11. Some of the updates include an immersive photo-op, throwback tram cars, and an original replica of the famous Hollywood sign as part of its 60th anniversary celebration.
The Studio Tour remains one of the theme park’s most popular attractions, taking riders on a one-hour backlot tour of some of the most iconic film sets in Hollywood history.
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – FEBRUARY 12: The studio tram enters King Kong 360 3-D at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City on Monday, Feb 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images) UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – FEBRUARY 12: The studio tram tour passes an old tram as it enters King Kong 360 3-D at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City on Monday, Feb 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images) UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – FEBRUARY 12: The studio tram enters Fast & Furious – Supercharged! at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City on Monday, Feb 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images) UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – MAY 25, 2023 – Visitors enter the set or Jupiter’s Claim from the movie, “Nope,” while taking the Universal Studios Tram Tour on May 25, 2023. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Universal Studios Hollywood reissues iconic Glamor Trams as world-renowned Studio Tour celebrates a milestone 60 years with new and nostalgic enhancements, including a unique step off tram and onto a movie set moment, a reimagined Earthquake attraction, return of the Runaway Train and a colossal Jurassic World T. rex dinosaur encounter from April 26 through August 11, 2024. (Universal Studios Hollywood) UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – FEBRUARY 12: The studio tram tour travels through the set for The Good Place television show at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City on Monday, Feb 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images) Universal Studios Hollywood reissues iconic Glamor Trams as world-renowned Studio Tour celebrates a milestone 60 years with new and nostalgic enhancements, including a unique step off tram and onto a movie set moment, a reimagined Earthquake attraction, return of the Runaway Train and a colossal Jurassic World T. rex dinosaur encounter from April 26 through August 11, 2024. (Universal Studios Hollywood) Universal Studios Hollywood reissues iconic Glamor Trams as world-renowned Studio Tour celebrates a milestone 60 years with new and nostalgic enhancements, including a unique step off tram and onto a movie set moment, a reimagined Earthquake attraction, return of the Runaway Train and a colossal Jurassic World T. rex dinosaur encounter from April 26 through August 11, 2024. (Universal Studios Hollywood) UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – JUNE 02: TV personality Jimmy Fallon (R, waving) hosts “Tram-tastic” Day at Universal Studios Hollywood on June 2, 2011 in Universal City, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images) UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – JUNE 02: TV personality Jimmy Fallon (R, waving) hosts “Tram-tastic” Day at Universal Studios Hollywood on June 2, 2011 in Universal City, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images) UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – FEBRUARY 12: The studio tram tour travels past the world’s largest blue screen at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City on Monday, Feb 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images) Studio Tour Glamor Tram on the Universal backlot. (Universal Studios Hollywood) UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – FEBRUARY 12: The studio tram tour visits Bruce the shark from Jaws at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City on Monday, Feb 12, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images) Universal Studios Hollywood reissues iconic Glamor Trams as world-renowned Studio Tour celebrates a milestone 60 years with new and nostalgic enhancements, including a unique step off tram and onto a movie set moment, a reimagined Earthquake attraction, return of the Runaway Train and a colossal Jurassic World T. rex dinosaur encounter from April 26 through August 11, 2024. (Universal Studios Hollywood) Actor Jimmy Fallon performs the new Universal Studio Tour theme song at Universal Studios Hollywood on June 2, 2011 in Universal City, California. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)
Throughout the tour, guests experience several interactive elements including animatronics, 3-D motion, sound stages with special effects, and more.
The Studio Tour is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year after debuting in 1964.
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