Credit: Busch GardensA recent theme park crisis resulted in severe injuries, with a guest being rushed to the hospital after a violent stabbing on the property.
Regardless of their parent company, theme parks in the United States prioritize the health and safety of all guests and employees by enforcing preventive measures and policies inside the parks — even when they imply concealing dozens of injuries every month.
Unfortunately, a violent incident resulted in the hospitalization of a young man following a violent altercation at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia.
Related: The End of an Era: Six Flags Theme Park To Be Completely Demolished This Month, Report Confirms
A recent 3WKTR report revealed that an 18-year-old man had been stabbed at Busch Gardens Williamsburg following a fight in the France area of the theme park. James City County Police confirmed the information.
The incident happened on Saturday night around 9:50 p.m., triggering an immediate police response after a Busch Gardens employee reported the fight. Unfortunately, the suspects had fled the scene before police arrival.
The victim, who reportedly approached police officers to inform them that he had been stabbed, was taken to a local hospital with what authorities say are non-life-threatening injuries.
Related: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Ceases All Theme Park Operations Effective Today
A 13News Now report added that several pieces of evidence were found after securing and searching the area, adding that the police’s Criminal Investigations Unit has taken over the active investigation.
Fortunately, James City County Police stated that no other injuries related to the incident have been reported. However, there is no word on any arrests.
This violent incident happened one week after police responded to a different altercation at the Williamsburg theme park during the opening weekend of the annual Howl-O-Scream event.
Both reports share the following message for witnesses to help the active investigation:
Anyone with information related to this incident or the offender’s identity is encouraged to contact the police at 757-253-1800. Tipsters may also call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit tips online at p3tips.com. Callers to the Crime Line and P3 Tips users may remain anonymous, are not required to testify in court, and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,500 if the information provided leads to an arrest.
Related: Busch Gardens Confirms Permanent Closure in September, Offers Guests a Chance To Say Goodbye
Unfortunately, this is not the first time a tragic incident has happened near one of Busch Gardens’ theme parks. Inside the Magic reported on a tragic car crash that resulted in the death of a bystander near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of the many theme parks owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts Inc., formerly SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc., in the United States. The Virginia-based theme park has a sister location, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida.
The company also owns and operates three SeaWorld marine life parks in America: SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, and SeaWorld Orlando. Additionally, the groundbreaking marine life park SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened its gates in 2023.
Furthermore, United Parks & Resorts Inc. owns and operates two Sesame Place Parks and several award-winning water parks in the United States.
This accident remains under investigation. Stay tuned to Inside the Magic for the latest news on theme parks and entertainment.