Family’s attorney claims there was ‘mass hysteria’ after Universal Studios tram crash

A family recalls the fear they felt when the studio tram they were riding in crashed at Universal Studios Hollywood, leaving 15 people injured.

Since the incident, the Murrieta family claims park officials have downplayed the severity of the crash and the victims’ injuries.

“He indicated it was incredibly dark at the scene,” said Steven Dhillon, the family’s attorney. “Many victims were holding up their flashlights, trying to locate other victims, everybody was screaming. It was mass hysteria.”

Emergency crews responded to the park on April 20 just after 9 p.m., after reports of a crash taking place during the studio backlot tour attraction.

The tram was passing the Jurassic Park exhibit when, while making a left turn, the last tram car struck a metal guardrail on the right-hand side, according to California Highway Patrol.

The maneuver tilted the vehicle, causing passengers to fall out and onto the road. Emergency crews transported 15 people to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

One family visiting from Murrieta was injured in the crash, including 11-year-old Sophia who was celebrating her birthday at the theme park.

Sophia was ejected from the tram and her father suffered leg, back and shoulder injuries. The girl’s mother, however, was the most injured in the family.

“She was propelled so violently into the plexiglass wall in front of her,” Dhillon said. “It impacted her brain so much that it started to bleed. She’s been experiencing headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation. The list goes on and on.”

All three injured family members were treated at a local hospital and later released.

Universal Studios released a statement after the crash saying, “We are thankful that, based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor.”

However, Dhillon believes the tram was traveling unusually fast that night and that the windows and walls of the tram were not strong enough to protect riders.

“The guard walls that come down on the tram were so weak that they gave out and allowed the individuals to be hurled outside of the tram,” Dhillon said. “This was by no means a minor accident with minor injuries. You don’t transport a dozen individuals to the hospital for minor injuries.”

Although the family said they do not plan to sue Universal Studios, they are hoping park officials will “step up and do the right thing.”

The studio trams can hold over 100 people and typically travel at low speeds. It’s unclear how many people were on board when the collision occurred.

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 and television sets in Hollywood history.

Throughout the tour, guests experience several interactive elements including animatronics, 3-D motion, sound stages with special effects, and more.

The attraction is celebrating its 60th Anniversary celebration this year after debuting in 1964.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities confirmed that alcohol and drugs were not considered factors. Officials with the California Highway Patrol will be leading the investigation.

Anyone with information on the incident can call CHP Investigating Officer L. Hawkins at 213-744-2331.

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