Universal Islands of Adventure, Florida, USA

Following two unfortunate accidents on Dragon Challenge (formally Dueling Dragons), the park temporarily stopped the rides from duelling a few weeks ago.

Now, the parks have announced that the ride will never run as it was intended ever again. Very sad news, as this visually spectacular part of the ride was it’s best feature by far!

The accidents involved guests being struck by loose articles on ride. During the first accident a man was struck in the eye and the second accident a man was struck in the arms, legs and face. Those involved and the park are blaming the accident on the duelling aspect of the ride. 

The duelling possibly makes the likeliness of being hit by a loose article more likely, but it’s not the cause. Loose articles probably hit riders often, but few cause injuries and fewer still cause injuries worth reporting. Birds have hit people in the past, such as the Fabio incident on Apollo’s Chariot. 

Take extra care securing loose articles on theme park rides!