Ballardian

Am I reading too much into these bits of news that catch my imagination? I’m reminded of HELLO AMERICA. Why? Because Vegas itself is more of a theme city than a real city. And terror in theme parks anywhere carries along an extra whallop since one has already taken a step into a different world.

Man Injured While Boarding Ride At Disney World

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Deputies and rescue crews rushed to Fantasy Land on Tuesday night. They were called when a man fell and was pinned at the Peter Pan’s Flight ride at Magic Kingdom.

The 70-year-old man was treated for injuries at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Investigators said the man was on a conveyor belt, trying to board the ride with his wife and granddaughter, when he fell into the path of the next vehicle on the belt.

Deputies initially said the man suffered life-threatening injuries, but he rapidly improved and is expected to be okay.

A Disney spokeswoman said nothing went wrong with Peter Pan’s Flight ride. The man was walking on the moving conveyor belt that lets guests onto the ride. At that point, the man fell and was pinned by one of the cars, which are designed to look like pirate ships. He was trying to get on the ride with his wife and granddaughter.

Disney shut down the ride as they tried to free the man and then airlift him to ORMC. The ride remained closed Tuesday night and Disney promised a full investigation.

“Our primary concern is with the guest and a Disney representative is at the hospital to assist the family,” said Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty.

The ride reopened Wednesday morning.

Disney has seen its share of recent accidents. In June of last year, 4-year-old Daudi Bamuwamye died after riding Epcot’s Mission: Space. Doctors determined he had a pre-existing heart condition.

In august, 12-year-old Jerra Kirby died at Typhoon Lagoon. She also had a heart condition.

The month before, 16-year-old Leanne Deacon went into cardiac arrest after riding The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. She recovered and returned to her home in Great Britain.