Legoland Accident: Court Issues Penal Orders After Roller Coaster Collision

A serious incident at Legoland Germany raises questions about safety in amusement parks. Following an accident on the popular “Fire Dragon” roller coaster, which resulted in injuries to 29 people, the Günzburg District Court has issued penal orders against two park employees. This event and its legal repercussions serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols and professional crisis management in amusement parks.

The Accident: A Chain of Unfortunate Events

On August 11, 2022, a significant incident occurred at Legoland Günzburg. Two trains of the “Fire Dragon” roller coaster collided, injuring 29 passengers. The cause was a technical defect, a sensor error, which triggered an operational disruption, halting both trains. The accident investigation revealed that human error in responding to the crisis played a crucial role.

The Responsible Parties: Experienced Mechanic and New Technician

The two defendants, a 56-year-old mechanic with years of experience and a 34-year-old technician, newly employed at the park, undertook the fault correction since the regular emergency team was unavailable. In their attempt to fix the error, they switched the roller coaster's control to “manual operation”. This resulted in one of the trains being deleted from the system, creating a dangerous and invisible situation.

The Critical Error: Lack of Coordination and Communication

Due to poor coordination and communication between the two men, the “block error” was not correctly reset, leading to the release of the second train while the first was still on the track. This grave mistake led to the collision, causing injuries to the passengers.

Legal Consequences: Penal Orders and Upcoming Trial

The Günzburg District Court issued penal orders for negligent bodily harm in 29 cases against the two employees, with fines set in the mid to low four-figure range. The defendants have appealed against these orders, meaning a public trial is expected in the spring. Until a final verdict is reached, the presumption of innocence applies.

Safety Protocols in Amusement Parks: A Critical View

This incident highlights the need for strict safety protocols and adequate staff training in amusement parks. It shows how crucial proper communication and coordination are in emergencies. Amusement parks are urged to review and strengthen their safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future and maintain public trust.

Summary and Outlook

The accident at Legoland Günzburg serves as a sobering reminder that safety and professional response to emergencies in amusement parks are essential. The upcoming court case will provide further insights into the exact circumstances of the accident and clarify responsibilities. This case is a wake-up call for the amusement park industry to reconsider safety protocols and always prioritize the safety and well-being of visitors.

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