Sections of Silver Dollar City train derail, injuring 6 guests, 1 employee
Branson, Missouri, theme park Silver Dollar City confirmed Wednesday night that sections of its Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train derailed from the track.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. CT on Wednesday, when three of the four train cars derailed, according to a park statement shared Thursday afternoon. About 160 guests were on the ride at the time.
No life-threatening injuries were reported, but six guests and one employee were transported to nearby medical facilities. Five of them have since been released.
"At Silver Dollar City, the safety and well-being of our guests and team members are paramount – which is why we have detailed emergency protocols and conduct regular drills in partnership with area emergency personnel," said spokesperson Lisa Rau. "We are grateful for the quick, thoughtful action and teamwork of all involved in the response."
She added that the park's guest services team is currently following up with the guests who were there to offer additional support.
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The Missouri Division of Fire Safety's Amusement Ride Safety Unit is investigating the incident and reported no preliminary findings Thursday, but said that the ride's operating permit is up to date and Silver Dollar City is cooperating with the investigation.
Initial reports of the train's derailment were posted on social media by people claiming to be on the train when sections derailed.
The train has been a long-time fixture at the theme park. The attraction, which wraps around the park, first opened in 1962, according to Silver Dollar City's website.
Contributing: Eve Chen and Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY
Wyatt D. Wheeler is a reporter and columnist with the Springfield News-Leader. You can contact him at wwheeler@news-leader.com or Twitter @WyattWheeler_NL.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Silver Dollar City's Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train derails
