On Tuesday afternoon, The Incredible Hulk Coaster stalled on the tracks. According to Universal officials, the coaster experienced a minor technical glitch, which activated the ride’s safety system. The safety system stopped the vehicle, just as expected. Riders were stuck in no unusual area making it easier to evacuate. There were no injuries reported. Several riders were able to evacuate on their own because they stopped where stairs and a walkway was available, other riders had to be evacuated with the help of the Orlando Fire Department.
As mentioned Tuesday by a Universal Spokesman, the ride was expected to reopen Wednesday morning and it did, only that guests who plan to ride are experiencing something different. There are signs now placed in front of both The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit alerting guests that loose articles, such as wallets, cell phones, change, and hats are not permitted while riding. ALL loose articles MUST be placed in a locker or with an off-rider. Metal detectors are currently in place at the front of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. It is still unknown as to what caused the glitch yesterday afternoon. This article will be updated as more information is found.
Universal Orlando says they are using metal detectors to improve their safety program. Tom Schroder, a Universal Orlando Spokesman said, “We believe metal detectors will help us identify the kind of items that we will ask our guests to secure separately before they get on the ride and, as a result, make everyone safer.”
Universal says that they will continue to study the results of the use of metal detectors and that the detectors will be used at several of their roller coasters. Guests who do not obey the rules will be removed from the ride or dismissed from the park. Universal did not mention if this is a permanent or temporary security measure and whether or not this is linked to yesterday’s problem with The Incredible Hulk Coaster.
Metal detectors have been removed from the entrance to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. No word on whether they will return to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit or appear at any other roller coaster.
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