Universal Studios Tram Crash 'Propels' 11-Year-Old 'Violently Into Plexiglass Wall' But Family Won't Sue

A tram crashed at Universal Studios Hollywood and left more than a dozen people injured, including an 11-year-old girl. That family’s attorney is now speaking on their behalf.

The backlot tour at the California theme park is one of the most popular attractions on the property. Guests who go on the tour will experience behind-the-scenes elements, such as animatronics, sound stages, special effects, and more.

On Saturday, April 20, one of the backlot trams crashed into a metal guardrail, ejecting multiple people from the vehicle. Fifteen passengers were taken to a hospital for treatment.

The Murrieta family was aboard the tram that crashed last weekend, and they claim park officials are not being honest about how bad the crash was. 

“There was a tram incident at the theme park tonight that resulted in multiple minor injuries, confirmed by the LA County Fire Dept,” a Universal Studios spokesperson told KTLA at the time of the crash. “We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident.”

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, but authorities have ruled out the involvement of alcohol and drugs.

“Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor," Universal Hollywood said in another statement, per AP News. "We are working closely with public agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, as we continue our review of the incident and safety remains a top priority."

The Murrieta family’s attorney is speaking on their behalf.

“He indicated it was incredibly dark at the scene,” Steven Dhillon, the family’s attorney, said. “Many victims were holding up their flashlights, trying to locate other victims, everybody was screaming. It was mass hysteria.”

According to KTLA, the California Highway Patrol, the backlot tram was passing the Jurassic Park exhibit when the last tram car hit a metal guardrail. Several people were injured as they fell out and onto the road. 15 people were transported to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

One of those injured in the accident was 11-year-old Sophia, who was ejected from the tram. “She was propelled so violently into the plexiglass wall in front of her,” Dhillon said. “It impacted her brain so much that it started to bleed. She’s been experiencing headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation. The list goes on and on.”

Sophia’s father also sustained injuries to his leg, back and shoulder. Her mom was also severely injured.

While Universal Studios claims they “are thankful that, based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor,” the Murrieta family’s attorney says otherwise. 

“The guard walls that come down on the tram were so weak that they gave out and allowed the individuals to be hurled outside of the tram,” Dhillon said. “This was by no means a minor accident with minor injuries. You don’t transport a dozen individuals to the hospital for minor injuries.”

The family does not plan to sue Universal Studios, but they hope officials will “step up and do the right thing.”

The backlot tour takes Guests “behind the scenes and see where some of your favorite films and television shows were – and are – filmed. Now you can see the original Jupiter’s Claim set from Jordan Peele’s latest horror epic, ‘NOPE,’” per the Universal Studios website.

“This legit journey through the actual sets of some of your favorite movies and television shows is mixed with exhilarating attractions and entertaining insights, making it an educational thrill ride unlike anything you can experience anywhere else,” Universal Studios Hollywood added.

When the backlot tour crash occurred, the park was prepping for its 60th anniversary celebration of the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, which kicked off Friday, April 26. 

“Don’t miss the all-new experience that lets you step off the classic tram and onto the studio backlot for a limited time,” Universal Hollywood said. “Explore an iconic film set, take part in immersive photo-ops, experience tour enhancements, and enjoy new themed food with collectible merchandise.”

Anyone with information on the incident can call CHP Investigating Officer L. Hawkins at 213-744-2331.