Float Strikes Guests During ParadeFour people injured during a parade on MondayTuesday, December 28, 2004
by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, staff writerThe Aladdin float from “A Christmas Fantasy” parade
struck and injured three adults and a child toward the end of its parade
route near Disneyland's “it's a small world” attraction at 8:20
last night. Anaheim paramedics responded to Disneyland, and the Disneyland Railroad
was closed for over an hour to allow access to the area. Two adults and
a child were treated at the scene, while paramedics transported the fourth
to Western Medical Center in Anaheim. The Orange County Register has identified the injured woman as
Mayra Perez, 34, a recent immigrant from Guatemala. In the article, the
woman's sister said, “(The float) hit her and knocked her out cold.
Her face is bruised up pretty bad.” Disneyland Resort spokesman Bob Tucker told MousePlanet, “At the
end of (the) holiday parade, four guests came in contact with a small
float in front of 'it's a small world.' The guests—three adults and
one child—were examined on the scene. Three of the guests were released
at the scene and the fourth, an adult, was transferred to an area hospital.
The Anaheim Police are taking statements from witnesses to determine the
cause.” 
The Aladdin float, driven by the costumed “Genie” character
and seen here in a previous performance of the parade, struck four park
visitors near the end of Monday night's parade. File photo by David Michael.
Wet weather and slick pavement probably contributed to the accident.
“The tires (of the float) didn't grab the traction on one of the
turns,” Anaheim police Sgt. Rick Martinez told MousePlanet. In the Orange County Register article, Anaheim fire Capt. Jamie
Hirsch said, “Instead of going straight, (the float) kind of turned
to the side and hit the four people. The float has a piece of carpet that
comes off the back. The piece of carpet struck the guests.” According to state Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH)
spokeswoman Susan Gard, the agency is not planning to conduct an investigation
of the accident. “The float is not a ride, and not under our jurisdiction”
she said. As of this morning, it was not known whether the parade is happening
tonight, although Disneyland's guest relations department said that it
was unlikely because of expected heavy rains.
Thoughts, questions, or comments? Contact Adrienne here.
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