Disney World monorail driver dies in crash

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 5 (UPI) -- A monorail train driver died after two trains collided early Sunday at Disney World near Orlando, Fla., officials said.

Bo Jones, deputy chief of operations for the Reedy Creek, Fla., fire department told WOFL, Orlando, that two trains collided at the monorail's ticket and transportation center, killing one driver.

"The other driver from the second train was taken to the hospital, but didn't appear to have any injuries," Jones said. "Five guests and two employees were on the trains, but were not injured."

Mike Griffin, Walt Disney World vice president of public affairs, said in a statement the amusement park was mourning the death of its employee.

"Our hearts go out to his family and to those who have lost a friend and co-worker," Griffin said. "The safety of our guests and cast members is always our top priority. The monorail is out of service as we continue to work closely with law enforcement to determine what happened and the appropriate next steps."

WOFL said Disney World has 12 monorail trains, each sporting six cars riding across 14.7 miles of elevated rail. Disney says the trains carry nearly 7,000 guests per direction, per hour.