FOX 35 EXCLUSIVE: State holds Central Florida Zoo responsible for train derailment

State releases report on zoo train derailment

A report by the Florida Department of Agriculture states that the Central Florida Zoo was at fault in a small train derailment that occurred in 2019.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - The Florida Department of Agriculture, which oversees amusement rides, sent FOX 35 News its final report.

The investigation concluded that the Central Florida Zoo was at fault, but the zoo says not so fast.

On the day before Thanksgiving in 2019, the miniature train at the Central Florida Zoo derailed, tossing riders in the last car to the ground.

One woman was taken to the hospital, but no one was seriously hurt.

“They said, all of a sudden the brakes just went on, the train driver said the same thing and that’s in our report, but they were not on, so that’s the issue. We don’t know what happened,” said Dino Ferri, CEO of the Central Florida Zoo.

Miniature train derails at the Central Florida Zoo. (FOX 35 Orlando)

That was what Ferri had to say back in November.

Now, FOX 35 News has the final report on the incident.

The conclusion? The zoo was in violation of Florida statute 616.242 (19)(a)1. b. Operating an amusement ride in a manner or circumstance that presents a risk of serious injury to a patron, that resulted in a reported accident.

So what happened? Investigators believe one of the bars that linked the cars together is to blame. The piece that keeps that bar in place was broken on the derailed car. Investigators believe the bar fell, became jammed and forced the car to derail.

The State of Florida fined the zoo $1,000 for not being able to show proper documentation or evidence of maintenance on the train.

Zoo officials fired back, releasing this statement:

“We have reviewed the state’s report and respectfully disagree with the ultimate conclusions. We are finalizing our review and we expect to have an official response soon. The safety of our guests remains our primary focus and for that reason the train will be closed until further notice while the investigation into the incident continues,” said Dino Ferri, CEO, The Central Florida Zoo.

The train’s permit is expired, until the zoo can prove it is safe during an inspection by the State.

The train passed a inspection one week before the accident, the State confirms the inspections was conducted by a third party, not a State inspector.

SEE THE FULL REPORT: