Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicAn employee at Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe was seriously injured earlier this year after suffering an electrical shock while performing routine maintenance on a new attraction, according to newly-released state and federal records.
According to reports from Florida Politics, the incident occurred on April 24 at the Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry attraction, one of the flagship rides inside Universal’s newly opened Epic Universe theme park. The worker was reportedly exposed to a 480-volt electrical busbar and was later hospitalized with multiple injuries.
Records released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicate the employee was “severely shocked” during the incident, which happened around 7:22 a.m. — a time when the park was likely not yet open to guests. The employee sustained a dislocated shoulder, fractured ribs, and a broken arm and was transported to Orlando Health for treatment.
OSHA’s investigation found that the busbar, which distributes power to ride vehicles, was not properly locked out during maintenance. The agency noted that the ride vehicle is typically locked out in three locations and that the electrical circuit powering the busbar should have been secured before work began. That safety step was reportedly not completed.
As a result of the investigation, OSHA issued Universal Orlando a citation and an initial fine of $16,550. The penalty was later reduced to $11,585 following an informal settlement between Universal and the agency. OSHA’s report stated that inspectors did not encounter “unusual circumstances,” such as abatement issues or an uncooperative employer, during their site visit.
Universal Orlando Resort did not provide a public comment regarding the incident at the time the report was published, and OSHA records do not include an update on the employee’s current condition.
Electrical injuries can be especially dangerous, even at lower voltages. OSHA guidance notes that the severity of an electric shock often depends on both voltage and duration, with prolonged exposure capable of causing severe or fatal injuries. In this case, the employee’s injuries were described as serious but non-fatal.
Epic Universe officially opened to the public on May 22, following a period of previews earlier in the spring. The park has drawn widespread attention for its immersive lands themed around SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However, this incident adds to a growing list of safety-related scrutiny surrounding the resort’s newest expansion.
The electrical shock investigation is not the first time OSHA has examined incidents at Universal Orlando. In 2019, several guests and employees reported receiving electrical shocks at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park, an issue later attributed to construction-related electrical flaws. OSHA did not issue fines in that case.
The Epic Universe incident also follows another serious event earlier this year involving a guest fatality on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. Universal and the family of the guest reached a settlement recently, according to public statements. It should be noted that an investigation by Universal stated that the coaster had operated “as intended,” and the coaster reopened in October.
This remains a developing news story. Additional details may emerge as OSHA records are further reviewed or if Universal Orlando issues a formal response. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.