The 21-year-old driver of one of the monorail trains at Walt Disney World was killed following a collision with another monorail early Sunday, July 5, 2009.
According to a witness, one of the monorail trains slammed into the back of a stationary train at approximately 2:00 AM at the Disney World Ticket and Transport Center. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said that there were eight people riding on the train at the time of the collision.
Another employee was transported to a hospital to be checked and six guests, who were all from the same family, were evaluated by paramedics at the scene of the crash and released. None of the seven individuals were injured, according to Disney World officials.
Austin Wuennenberg, a senior at Stetson University, was killed in the monorail train crash. Mike Griffin, Disney’s vice president for public affairs said, “It’s a terrible day for us. Our hearts go out to Austin and his family.”
Wuennenberg’s family issued a statement saying, “He always enjoyed his work at Disney, and especially enjoyed his work as a monorail pilot. He has many great friends who he has positively influenced; everyone will truly miss this dynamic young man.”
Disney World is cooperating with county authorities and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the investigation into the fatal accident.
