ORLANDO, Fla. --
Late Saturday evening a fire on a ride at Universal sent thick black smoke pouring into the sky.
The fire was so intense officials shut down an entire area of Universal’s Islands of Adventure Park.
A theme park spokesman told WFTV.com that the fire started in part of a water ride called Ripsaw Falls, at Islands of Adventure around 5:30 PM.
Orlando firefighters rushed to the scene and said the fire was rapidly progressing.
They had to use a ladder truck to reach the ride and spray water onto it.
Tourists who saw the heavy flames coming from the ride were in shock.
“A huge black cloud of smoke. It was everywhere and smelled horrible like burning rubber,” said eyewitness Adrianna Camcho.
Universal shut down the Toon Lagoon area of the theme park as a precaution.
Workers were able to swiftly get the dozens of people on the ride away from it.
The attraction was full and some riders had to seek medical attention from the park’s health center.
“We know some of our guests are saying they might have breathed a little smoke. Orlando Fire Department is working with them. We’re doing what we can to assist,” said Universal Spokesman Tom Schroder.
The area around the ride was closed but the rest of the Islands of Adventure stayed open.
Copyright 2010 by wftv.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
