Two weeks after a 32-year-old man died on the Stardust Racers ride at Epic Universe, Universal Orlando is planning on reopening the ride, while also updating signs to reinforce the existing warnings and eligibility requirements. The dual-launch coaster reaches speeds up to 62 mph.
Karen Irwin, President of Universal Orlando, wrote a letter to staff members Friday saying, “our comprehensive technical and operational review confirmed the ride systems functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures throughout.”
Irwin that the company’s extensive review process was conducted in conjunction with local and state officials.
“In addition, the ride system manufacturer of record and an independent, third-party roller coaster engineering expert conducted their own on-site testing and validated our findings,” said Irwin. “Safety, as always, is our top priority. To further assist guests in determining whether they can or cannot ride an attraction, we are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other ride.
The letter also stated that Universal was prepared to reopen Stardust Racers on Saturday afternoon, October 4.
Epic Universe opened to great fanfare in May of this year. Since then, two other incidents have been reported involving Stardust Racers, but neither one was deemed serious.
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