15 People Injured in Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Crash, Authorities Say

Carly Thomas
·2 min read
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Fifteen people were injured when a tram crashed at Universal Studios Hollywood on Saturday night, according to authorities.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department shared on social media that it responded to the theme park just after 9 p.m. for reports of a crash.

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“A tram tour was in progress on the Universal Studios Hollywood back lot,” Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement. “The tram had just passed the Jurassic Park Cars and was making a turn to head northbound on Avenue M. Due to unknown reasons, while negotiating the turn onto Avenue M, the last car of the tram collided with a metal guardrail on the right side of the roadway causing it to tilt and eject multiple passengers from the tram.”

“Fifteen passengers were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment and evaluations with minor to moderate injuries,” the statement added. “The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not considered to be a factor in this crash.”

A spokesperson with Universal Studios Hollywood shared in a statement to THR Saturday night, “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.”

Late Sunday afternoon, a Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson shared an updated statement: “Saturday night on the Studio Tour, a tram collided with a guardrail while making a left turn. Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor. We are working closely with public agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, as we continue our review of the incident and safety remains a top priority. We have resumed Studio Tour operations with a modified route and are reinforcing our operational and safety protocols.”

Universal Studios tour is one of the theme park’s most popular attractions, taking riders on a one-hour backlot tour to see behind the scenes where some of Hollywood’s most memorable films and television shows were filmed. Some of the movie sets featured in the tour are Jaws and Jordan Peele’s Nope.

On Thursday, Universal Studios Hollywood was also set to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the ride with a special backlot experience, however, the event has been canceled due to the crash, THR has learned. The in-park activities celebrating the anniversary will continue to take place from April 26 through Aug. 11.

April 21, 11:41 a.m.: Updated with statement from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

April 21, 5:25 p.m.: Updated with new statement from Universal Studios Hollywood.

April 23, 1:50 p.m.: Updated with 60th-anniversary event cancellation.

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