As an investigation of a fatal accident at ICON park in Orlando, Fla., continues, Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., is temporarily closing its similar “Drop Line” ride.
This free-fall ride was developed by the same company, according to representatives of the theme park, which is partly owned by country music icon Dolly Parton.
“Although Dollywood does not have the specific ride involved in this tragic incident, the safety of our guests is our top priority,” said an emailed statement from Dollywood public relations director Wes Ramey. “Out of an abundance of caution, and until further details about the accident at ICON Park are known, we have temporarily closed Drop Line, our drop tower ride that was developed by the same manufacturer.”
Drop Line opened in 2017 and is 230-feet tall, said to a Dollywood press release. A fact sheet states that the ride is manufactured by Austria-based Funtime with seats and restraints by Gerstlauer.
According to the Dollywood website, Drop Line “lifts guests more than 20 stories above Dollywood’s Timber Canyon,” and slowly spins around the tower as it rises, “providing guests with a bird’s eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains.”
After reaching the top, the ride plummets down. Prior to the current temporary closure, the ride was sometimes closed during inclement weather conditions.
“We will reevaluate the opening of the ride after the investigation in Orlando is complete,” said Ramey.
Last Thursday, 14-year-old Tyre Sampson died after falling from the 430-feet tall Orlando Free Fall ride, billed as the world’s largest free-standing drop tower. The ride had only been open for three months.
It’s not yet clear how the teen fell from the ride and company that operates it is working with authorities to determine what happened. According to some reports, Sampson may have exceeded size limits for the ride.
“We were deeply saddened to hear of the heartbreaking accident at ICON Park in Orlando, Fla. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this unimaginably difficult time,” said Ramey.
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