Fire In The Hole Silver Dollar City Death
The Incident
On March 13, 2001, tragedy struck at Silver Dollar City, a popular amusement park in Branson, Missouri. A fire broke out in the "Fire in the Hole" ride, a popular attraction that had been entertaining visitors for over two decades. Unfortunately, the fire claimed the life of a 16-year-old employee, Jessica Leeds.
The Ride
"Fire in the Hole" was a dark ride that simulated a train ride through a mining town. The ride featured a number of special effects, including animatronic figures, pyrotechnics, and water elements. It was a beloved attraction for many visitors, and the park had never experienced a serious incident on the ride before the fire.
The Cause
An investigation into the incident revealed that the fire was caused by a spark that ignited a foam cushion in the ride's loading station. The cushion had been improperly installed, and the spark was likely caused by a metal object that fell from a guest's pocket and struck a metal plate on the loading platform.
The Aftermath
The death of Jessica Leeds was a tragedy that shook the amusement park industry. Silver Dollar City immediately closed the "Fire in the Hole" ride and launched an investigation into the incident. The park also implemented new safety protocols and installed new fire suppression systems throughout the park to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The Leeds family filed a lawsuit against Silver Dollar City, alleging that the park was negligent in its maintenance of the ride and its training of employees. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.
The Legacy
The "Fire in the Hole" ride was eventually reopened, but with significant changes to its safety features. The ride now features a new loading station with improved fire suppression systems, and park employees are trained to be vigilant for potential safety hazards.
The incident at Silver Dollar City was a wake-up call for the amusement park industry, which had previously operated with relatively lax safety standards. Today, most major theme parks have implemented strict safety protocols and undergo regular safety inspections to prevent accidents like the one that occurred at Silver Dollar City.
Conclusion
The death of Jessica Leeds was a tragic reminder of the importance of safety in the amusement park industry. While the incident was a dark moment in the history of Silver Dollar City, it ultimately led to positive changes that have made the park and other amusement parks safer for visitors and employees alike.