Florida 911 calls released after teenager fell off ride: 'They didn't secure the seatbelt'
Orlando authorities have released the 911 calls made after a teenager fell from a ride at Orlando, Florida's ICON Park and died.
An amusement park ride safety expert is calling for federal oversight of amusement park rides in the wake of the Orlando FreeFall incident, where a 14-year-old fell off of the ride and died.
Tyre Sampson, 14, died after falling off of the Orlando FreeFall on March 24 in Orlando, Florida at ICON Park.
While Florida regulates amusement park rides, there are still some states that have no regulations in place for amusement park rides, and there's currently no federal regulations surrounding the rides.
Brian Avery, a University of Florida lecturer and ride safety expert, told Fox News Digital this something that needs to change.
"This was taped with video, and, you know, it's really resonated with the public saying, OK, stop, something's got to change. We have standards and practices and whatnot that could have addressed this in a meaningful way to prevent it. Why the inconsistencies? And I think that's why we're at this point where we're asking about why we don't have federal oversight," Avery said.
The Orlando Free Fall drop tower in ICON Park in Orlando, Florida, is pictured on March 28, 2022. Tyre Sampson, 14, was killed when he fell from the ride last week. (Orlando Sentinel via Getty)
Avery pointed out that mobile amusement parks have some regulation by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, but said that fixed amusement park rides do not.
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., sponsored legislation in 2007 that would have given the commission federal safety oversight over fixed amusement park rides, but it failed to pass.
Avery said that while some organizations do a good job at self-regulating and have a vested interest in keeping individuals safe, there is resistance to federal oversight.
FLORIDA FREEFALL TRAGEDY: AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE AT CENTER OF TEEN'S DEADLY FALL WAS BUILT IN DECEMBER
Tyre Sampson (FOX 35 Orlando)
"There is a belief that, you know, some do it better than others. Therefore, why would I have to comply with some sort of federal oversight when I'm doing fine enough job on my own," Avery said.
Avery said that ASTM International publishes industry safety standards when it comes to amusement park rides, and added that some amusement parks have partially adopted their standards, some have fallen below it, stating that "we need a baseline."
"I would subscribe to most of the larger parks do go above and beyond ASTM anyways, but there are others that don't and they fall below those standards. And I think it would be prudent to have at least a minimum consensus with respect to the standards at a federal level so that everyone knew, no matter what state you're in. These are the basics that you must follow," Avery said.
FLORIDA FREEFALL TEEN DEATH: RIDE SAFETY EXPERT HARNESS 'WAS NOT ON CORRECTLY'
Tourists enjoy the rides and amenities at ICON Park in Orlando on Thursday, March 24, 2022. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
He said that currently, state regulation of amusement park rides is "hit or miss," and said that some agencies tasked with regulating amusement park rides might not be qualified to do so.
Some pushback could come down to data-sharing of ride safety incidents, Avery said, adding that some amusement parks may not be willing to share that information because it could "turn some patrons off" from going on these rides, but said this shouldn't be a reason to avoid federal regulations.
FLORIDA FREEFALL TEEN DEATH: RIDE SAFETY EXPERT HARNESS 'WAS NOT ON CORRECTLY'
The Wheel at ICON Park is at left, Orlando SlingShot in middle, and Orlando FreeFall is at right. A 14-year-old boy died after falling from the Orlando FreeFall ride on March 24. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
"I don't think the longer run gains outweigh the short term heartburn that would be experienced by some with respect to this process, because I think in the end, you would be more consistent, we would have one set of standards that we can all live by," Avery said.
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In a statement to Fox News Digital, Trevor Arnold, an attorney representing the operator of the Orlando FreeFall, said it's working with state departments in their investigations.
"Orlando Eagle Drop continues to cooperate at every level with all state agencies and departments conducting their respective investigations. Friday’s pledge by Florida lawmakers to effectuate change in our industry is welcome. We are committed to working with those in charge to make a difference, as the safety of the public remains Orlando Eagle Drop’s top priority. On Monday, April 4th, we will have staff from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on site. We will continue to provide additional information, as it is appropriate, given our respect for the ongoing investigations," Arnold said.
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