Austrian ride maker faces $310M liability in tragic U.S. accident
An Austrian amusement ride equipment manufacturer will have to pay substantial compensation for the death of a teenager. This is the result of a court ruling in the United States, which found the Tyrolean company liable for the death of the 14-year-old. The boy died as a result of an accident on a free-fall tower in an American amusement park.
In March 2022, a tragic incident occurred at "ICON Park" in Orlando, Florida, USA. A 14-year-old fell from a free-fall tower. This is an extreme type of ride that simulates a sudden drop from a significant height. The ride speed is about 120 km/h, and the tower height is approximately 130 metres.
A few moments before his sudden death, the boy reportedly told a friend, "if I don’t survive, tell my mom and dad I love them very much." Moments later, he was ejected from his seat.
The teenager fell from the seat at the height of about 30 meters. He hit the ground and was taken to the hospital with severe injuries. Unfortunately, his life could not be saved.
Legal proceedings against the Austrian manufacturer. Massive compensation ahead
During the investigation, it was determined that teenager Tyre Sampson significantly exceeded the weight limit for the ride. However, no one informed the 14-year-old's parents about such a limit. They decided to sue the attraction's manufacturer, the Austrian company Funtime Handels GmbH. In the parents' opinion, their child was not provided with adequate safety, and gross negligence occurred.
The court in Florida sided with the parents of the deceased boy. The jury awarded substantial compensation to the family. It amounts to $310 million. No representative of the defendant's company appeared in the courtroom.
Now, the verdict must still be confirmed by a court in Austria, which should only be a formality. Besides the lawsuit against the Austrian ride manufacturer, the boy's parents have reached settlements with the amusement park and the tower's owner. However, the settlement amounts have not been disclosed.
