Credit: Jeremy Thompson, FlickrAn animal has died at SeaWorld Orlando after a freak accident on Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. At least one theme park guest was also injured in the incident.
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is one of the most unique attractions in the Central Florida theme park scene. The “first-of-its-kind surf coaster,” which debuted at SeaWorld Orlando in 2023, sends standing guests through several twists and turns after a thrilling 60mph launch. Unfortunately, this summer, the roller coaster was the site of a tragic incident that no one could’ve predicted.
Last month, Instagram user Kelly Angelo (@mrskellyangelo) shared this video after a duck flew into her son while he was riding Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. The SeaWorld Orlando guest also shared photos of marks on her son’s abdomen that eventually turned into bruises.
First time riding we rode Pipeline at @seaworldorlando and a duck flew into my son. My son was bruised and very proud of his first duck or duck season……
#seaworldorlando #seaworld #pipeline #rollercoaster #orlando #duckseason #launch
After colliding with Angelo’s son, the duck reportedly flew into her daughter, who was also riding Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. The animal then fell into a pond below the roller coaster tracks. Unfortunately, it didn’t survive the incident.
“Unfortunately yes,” the SeaWorld Orlando guest replied when asked if the duck had died. “It hit my son in the side and then my daughter behind him and landed on the floor of the coaster. When we turned it fell off.”
Fortunately, it appears that Angelo’s son and daughter didn’t suffer any long-term injuries from the freak accident on Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. At this time, SeaWorld Orlando has not issued a public statement on the incident, and the standing roller coaster is operating normally.
Have you visited SeaWorld Orlando during your Central Florida theme park vacation? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments!