http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/riders-struck-after-orlando-eye-stops/nmrRJ/

Intamin strikes again

You missed the last part of the link... http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/riders-struck-after-orlando-eye-stops/nmrRJ/

Thanks editing now

Much more:

http://rt.com/usa/271603-orlando-eye-wheel-rescue/

I do not understand how rides aren't built with more options for speedy evacuations.

 

First, ride manufacturers MUST understand that rides WILL emergency-stop for any number of reasons. A bird lands on a sensor, it trips, and the ride shuts down. It's not an infrequent or rare occurrence. Fine! So why isn't there a way to quickly and safely restore the ride's operation, or at LEAST default it into an unload / evac program? (I'm not talking JUST about the Orlando Eye, either. Think WindSeeker. Why is the ride's default protocol in MOST situations to seize up, lock operators out of the controls, and strand riders? Should there not be a leveled response to stops? An ability to quickly analyze the issue and get the ride into a controlled evacuation mode?)

 

And secondly, in that same vein, what if this actually WERE an emergency? What if a storm was approaching so the ride E-stopped? Or a fire? Or an electrical hazard? This again begs the question: why is the attraction's computer's FIRST response to lock everything and seize the ride, stranding riders? It's downright dangerous. A fire in one of the cabins at the top of the ride, so the computer shuts the attraction down and locks operators out for three hours. HUH? How is there no quick way to regain control?

 

Basically, I'm no engineer. I just don't see why the computer systems powering these rides aren't able to logically progress through this in seconds. Ride e-stops. Analyze the reason. If the ride can safely operate (i.e. the e-stop wasn't triggered by a structural issue) then default into an evac mode. 

I can fully understand not allowing the ride to move in "normal" operation mode when there's a sensor fault like this. However, there is absolutely no reason why it should take a backup generator and having people climb out escape hatches in the roof to get people off the ride. I wonder if we'll hear any more about why they couldn't get it going again.