Austrian firm to pay $310m after tragic U.S. ride accident
An Austrian amusement park equipment manufacturer is required to pay substantial compensation for the death of a teenager. This follows a ruling by a U.S. court, which found the Tyrolean company responsible for the 14-year-old's death. The boy tragically lost his life in an accident on a drop tower at an amusement park in the United States.
In March 2022, an unimaginable tragedy unfolded at "ICON Park" in Orlando, Florida, USA. A 14-year-old boy fell from a drop tower ride. This extreme type of ride mimics a sudden drop from a significant height. The catapult speed is approximately 120 km/h, and the tower's height in the USA is 130 metres.
Just seconds before his untimely death, the boy reportedly told his friend to "tell his mum and dad that he loved them very much" if he didn't survive. Moments later, he was ejected from his seat.
The teenager fell from his chair at a height of about 30 metres. He struck the ground and was taken to hospital with severe injuries. Sadly, his life could not be saved.
Proceedings against the Austrian manufacturer. Enormous compensation to be paid
During the investigation, it was found that the teenager, Tyre Sampson, significantly exceeded the weight limit for the ride. However, neither he nor his parents were informed of this restriction. The parents chose to take legal action against the ride manufacturer, Funtime Handels GmbH, an Austrian company. They believed their child was not kept safe and that there were serious oversights.
A Florida court sided with the boy's parents. The jury awarded the family substantial compensation. The amount is $310 million. No representative from the defendant company appeared in court.
The verdict must also be ratified by a court in Austria, which should be a mere formality. Besides suing the Austrian ride manufacturer, the boy's parents reached settlements with the amusement park and the tower owner. However, the compensation figures were not disclosed.
