Quote:
Originally posted by Apot2788
Hi guys I am trying to onfirm if its true, an unsaid source has said that a monorail in the early 80's crashed on its way EPCOT center.
I just want to know if its true?
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Nope, it's
not true. There was an incident on the Epcot beam in 1986 involving the old Mark IV Silver train, but no collision. What happened was that one of the side tires was faulty, and caused a fire on the train. Passengers evacuated to the roof, and then later were rescued by Reedy Creek. This is the ONLY incident ever, where a Walt Disney World monorail had to be evacuated in such a manner. Thankfully, No one was injured.
Such an incident would be next to impossible to happen with our newer Mark VI monorails. Our trains, built by Bombardier/TGI were the first urban transit vehicle that met or exceeded US standards for flammability, smoke, and toxicity. These new trains, brought online in 1989-1991 replaced the 20 year old Mark IV trains, and included a number of safety features including, but not limited to:
* Sophisticated multiplexing monitoring system computers that monitor virtually every system on the train for problems and malfunctions. (Including tire pressure monitors)
* Alison Heat Detection system that monitors the train for rising temperatures which could lead to a potential fire. The system will alert the driver prior to a dangerous temperature so that proper safety measures can be taken.
* Intercom phones so that passengers can communicate with driver
* Roof hatches, non-skid roof surface, and guidrails along roof, in the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation
* Emergency release zipper windows
* Moving-blocklight anti-collision system
* Trains can be easily towed using a diesel tow-tractor
In addition to all of this, each pilot must take an emergency evacuation class. Every few months, we will also hold mock evacuation drills, where we will actually simulate a real emergency. We will hold a train at a random place, and have Reedy Creek Emergency Services come out with the ladder trucks, and evacuate our train. The last place we did it was at the highest point between the MK and the Grand Floridian.
With all of our safety features and warning systems, I have more of a chance of winning the Powerball, than of a train emergency such as Silver's happening again. It just isn't gonna happen. But in case it does, we are totally prepared.
Just to reiterate... that incident is an isolated incident with the old trains, and would never happen with our new trains. Hope this clarifies up any false rumors that you might have heard.
