Disney performer fatally injured in Hollywood Studios accident
Walt Disney World stunt performer Anislav Varbanov, 30, was fatally injured during a rehearsal for the " Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular" at Disney's Hollywood Studios. He was doing a tumbling roll after 7 p.m. Monday when he was hurt. Disney workers dialed 911 at 7:34 p.m. to report that a cast member sustained a head injury. Varbanov was rushed to →
NTSB Agency Says It Could Be 6 Months Before Final Report on Disney Monorail Crash
The Federal agency said Wednesday they have received most of the documents they requested in the investigation of the July 5th Disney World monorail crash that killed monorail pilot Austin Wuennenberg. The National Transportation Safety Board said in an e-mail to the media that "the documents that will become part of the investigation are employee records showing training, work history and →
Disney Mononrail Crash Triggered by Employee Mistakenly Radioed He Activated Track Switch
The Orlando Sentinel has spoken with multiple sources with knowledge of the accident's investigation. The publication reports that a maintenance bay employee radioed incorrect information. This combined with a shift change when a sick employee was granted early dismissal lead to events to the deadly 2am July 5 crash which killed 21-year-old monorail pilot Austin Wuennenberg. Investigators still have work in →
Mother of Deceased Monorail Pilot Expects to Sue Disney
Christine Wuennenberg, mother of the Austin Wuennenberg, the monorail pilot killed in the July 5 crash, has filed a petition in Orlando state Circuit Court, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The petition filed July 9 is to preserve crucial crash evidence in Disney's possession that she feel may be destroyed, erased or altered. She is also asking the judge to →
Disney World Suspends Policy of Guests Riding in Monorail Front for Now
Not a surprising change in wake of last Sunday's monorail accident. Had guests been in the front of the monorail with pilot Austin Wuennenberg when the accident occurred, more lives would've been lost. Though I'm saddened by this policy change, as riding in the front of the monorail is quiet a magical experience. Watch the video Diane Cimino of Briton, →
Vigil Held For Disney Monorail Crash Victim
Family, friends and coworkers gather in Celebration for a vigil to celebrate his life. Four Facebook groups have been created dedicated to Wuennenberg's memory. The Facebook group, One Rail, One Family vigil for Wuennenberg organized the vigil. Former and current WDW Monorail Operations cast members created this group and have openned it publically for anyone wishing to celebrate the Wuennenberg's memory. Watch video. Click →
Suspended Disney monorail pilot releases statement
Distraught, surviving pilot from fatal monorail incident is under doctor's care. Alan Rubino, 62, piloted the reversing monorail that crashed into the train driven by 21-year-old Austin Wuennenberg, killing the young man. Rubino's friend Dennis Pickering read a statement from the pilot to local media. "Alan wishes to extend to family and friends of Austin his deepest and heart-felt condolences. Given the current →
Disney’s monorail procedures changed in years leading up to accident
Walt Disney World now requires drivers, when switching off the resort's Epcot loop, to operate their trains from twin controls in the rear cab. This policy change comes as a result of the pilot in last weekend's monorail collision remaining in the front cab, while attempting to make the loop switch. The Orlando Sentinel spoke with former monorail pilots, who stated →
