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Universal Studios tram crashes, injuring 15 riders

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Rebecca Miller was prepared for a killer shark, King Kong and other make-believe frights when she joined the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot tour Saturday evening with her family — what she wasn’t expecting was the intrusion of some real-life drama.

Miller, her husband and two children got on one of the park’s last trams of the night and were behind a four-car tram that crashed and injured 15 people, who were taken to hospitals with non life-threatening injuries, authorities said. Her family’s tram, which they boarded close to 8:30 p.m., had passed the King Kong and T. rex attraction and had just made it to a display of famous movie vehicles when it suddenly stopped.

“We’re like, ‘Ok, maybe they are having technical difficulties,’” recalled Miller, 39, of Victorville, who was in the first car of her tram train along with park employees. “And then as it went on, it was like, this is a little odd. Then their radios started getting messages and we noticed a whole change in their demeanor.”

The Los Angeles County Fire Department received an emergency call from the park shortly after 9 p.m. and responded to the scene.

The last car on the tram ahead of Miller’s struck a rail when it was traveling down a hill near a parking structure, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Maria Abal said Saturday evening. “There was some type of issue with the brakes. We don’t exactly know what yet,” he said.

The park’s tram can hold more than 100 people, Abal said, but it was unclear how many were onboard at the time of the incident. The collision caused several passengers to fall out of the car, according to the Sheriff’s Department, which provides security at the park.

Universal Studios said Sunday that it understood from authorities that the injuries were minor and it was working with the California Highway Patrol and other agencies to review the accident. It said “safety remains a top priority” and it has resumed the tour with a “modified route” and the reinforcement of “operational and safety protocols.”

The Highway Patrol did not provide an update Sunday.

Miller said her family was at the park for an event that drew thousands of Girl Scouts from around the region who were top sellers of cookies in the Scouts’ fundraiser, including her 8-year-old daughter Alanna.

She said her family was stuck on the tram until about 10:15 p.m. and stayed at the park, which remained open for the Girls Scouts event.

A passenger on an earlier tram that evening said their vehicle was stopped about 8 p.m. because of smoke and a noxious odor apparently emanating from brake pads. The passengers were transferred to another tram, according to an email sent to The Times.

The Universal Studios tram tour, called the World-Famous Studio Tour, is a signature attraction at the theme park. The park is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the ride beginning next week.

The tour goes behind the scenes of movie sets, including those of “Jaws” and Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” and offers a look into the last 50 years of Universal films.

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15 people injured when tram collides with guardrail at Universal Studios theme park near Los Angeles

FILE - The Universal Studios Hollywood officially reopens to the public at 25% capacity with COVID-19 protocols in place in Los Angeles, on April 16, 2021. A tram accident at Universal Studios in Los Angeles injured multiple people Saturday night, April 20, 2024, authorities and the company said. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

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UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. (AP) — More than a dozen people suffered mostly minor injuries when a tram used for tours crashed into a railing at Universal Studios Hollywood near Los Angeles, authorities and the company said.

Los Angeles County Fire Department units responded shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday to the theme park in Universal City, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of downtown LA, the agency said in a social media post.

The California Highway Patrol said that while the tram was negotiating a turn, its last car collided with a metal guardrail, “causing it to tilt and eject multiple passengers.”

The fire department said 15 people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries. The highway patrol’s statement on Sunday said some of the injuries were moderate, but didn’t specify a number.

Universal Studios Hollywood said in a statement Sunday afternoon that tours have resumed with a modified route.

“Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor. We are working closely with public agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, as we continue our review of the incident and safety remains a top priority,” the statement said.

The highway patrol, which is leading the investigation, said alcohol and drugs were not considered a factor.

The tram circuit, called the World-Famous Studio Tour, offers a glimpse behind the scenes of Universal movies including “Jaws” and Jordan Peele’s “Nope.” The theme park will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the tour starting Friday.

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15 people injured in universal studios hollywood tram crash, authorities say.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

By Carly Thomas

Carly Thomas

Associate Editor

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Fifteen people were injured when a tram crashed at Universal Studios Hollywood on Saturday night, according to authorities.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department shared on social media that it responded to the theme park just after 9 p.m. for reports of a crash.

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“Fifteen passengers were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment and evaluations with minor to moderate injuries,” the statement added. “The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not considered to be a factor in this crash.”

A spokesperson with Universal Studios Hollywood shared in a statement to THR Saturday night, “There was a tram incident at the theme park tonight that resulted in multiple minor injuries, confirmed by the LA County Fire Dept. We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident.”

Late Sunday afternoon, a Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson shared an updated statement: “Saturday night on the Studio Tour, a tram collided with a guardrail while making a left turn. Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor. We are working closely with public agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, as we continue our review of the incident and safety remains a top priority. We have resumed Studio Tour operations with a modified route and are reinforcing our operational and safety protocols.”

On Thursday, Universal Studios Hollywood was also set to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the ride with a special backlot experience, however, the event has been canceled due to the crash, THR has learned. The in-park activities celebrating the anniversary will continue to take place from April 26 through Aug. 11.

April 21, 11:41 a.m.: Updated with statement from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

April 21, 5:25 p.m.: Updated with new statement from Universal Studios Hollywood.

April 23, 1:50 p.m.: Updated with 60th-anniversary event cancellation.

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15 injured in tram accident at Universal Studios

A group of amusement park visitors were injured Saturday evening in a Universal Studios tram accident near Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department was dispatched shortly after 9 p.m. PT Saturday and transferred 15 patients to hospitals with minor injuries.

The California Highway Patrol said a tour was underway at the studio in Universal City and the tram was making a turn following the "Jurassic Park Cars" attraction.

"Due to unknown reasons, while negotiating the turn onto Avenue M, the last car of the tram collided with a metal guardrail on the right side of the roadway causing it to tilt and eject multiple passengers from the tram," the agency said.

The injuries were evaluated as "minor to moderate," the highway patrol said. Neither drugs nor alcohol are being considered as factors.

A spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood confirmed the accident in a statement and said a tram collided with a guard rail while it was turning left.

"Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor," the statement said. "We are working closely with public agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, as we continue our review of the incident and safety remains a top priority."

Universal said the Studio Tour has resumed "with a modified route" and the park is "reinforcing our operational and safety protocols."

Universal Studios is owned by NBC News’ parent company, NBCUniversal.

According to the park’s website, the tram tour is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary Friday.

The Universal Studios Tour offers park visitors a chance to ride a tram through behind-the-scenes locations of some of the studio's famed films while tour guides impart some of the history of the lot.

Many of the locations are still used for filming, so the locations may change. A consistently popular attraction includes re-creations of scenes such as a "Jaws"-style shark attack.

Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.

Emilie Dorn is an NBC News assignment editor.

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15 people injured in Universal Studios Hollywood tour tram crash

At least one person reportedly sustained critical injuries.

Lester Fabian Brathwaite is a staff writer at Entertainment Weekly , where he covers breaking news, all things Real Housewives , and a rich cornucopia of popular culture. Formerly a senior editor at Out magazine, his work has appeared on NewNowNext , Queerty , Rolling Stone , and The New Yorker . He was also the first author signed to Phoebe Robinson's Tiny Reparations imprint. He met Oprah once.

15 people were injured in a tram crash at Universal Studios Hollywood Saturday evening.

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the victims were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. KTLA, however, reported at least one person sustained critical injuries.

According to a statement from the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, "deputies responded to the lower parking lot of Universal Studios Hollywood regarding a tour tram collision. The collision caused several passengers to fall out of the vehicle."

The trams are used in the theme park's signature Studio Tour, transporting guests through iconic Hollywood film sets. It's unclear what caused the crash, or if any other vehicles were involved but LASD tells Entertainment Weekly that the "cause of the accident is still under investigation and there is no further information at this time."

The LACFD Public Information Office confirmed the incident in a tweet , writing "at 9:05 units were dispatched to a tram accident where 15 patients were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. CHP will be the lead investigatory agency for all further inquiries."

“Saturday night on the Studio Tour, a tram collided with a guard rail while making a left turn," a spokesperson for Universal Studios said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly . "Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor."

The statement continued, "We are working closely with public agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, as we continue our review of the incident and safety remains a top priority. We have resumed Studio Tour operations with a modified route and are reinforcing our operational and safety protocols."

Earlier this month, Universal Studios Hollywood was hit with a lawsuit stemming from a 2022 incident in which passengers claim they were stranded while riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an attraction that takes guests through notable locations in  J.K. Rowling 's Wizarding World, including the Great Hall, the grounds of Hogwarts, and the Quidditch pitch.

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Tram crash at Universal Studios Hollywood leaves 15 people hurt

The trams are used to take park visitors on behind-the-scenes tours of the sets where some of Universal's biggest movies and TV shows were filmed.

Sunday 21 April 2024 21:53, UK

A tram crash at Universal Studios Hollywood has left 15 people injured.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department was called to the theme park shortly after 9pm local time on Saturday.

It said 15 people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries.

The crash occurred when the final car of one of the trams collided with a metal guardrail, which caused it to "tilt and eject multiple passengers", the California Highway Patrol said.

The Highway Patrol said some of the injuries were "moderate" but did not specify how many.

Sheriff's Lieutenant Maria Abal suggested the four-car tram may have experienced an issue with its brakes.

Alcohol and drugs were not considered as a factor, said the Highway Patrol, which is leading the investigation.

A Universal Studios spokesperson told the Associated Press there were "multiple minor injuries" but did not provide details on the accident.

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The tram route, called the World-Famous Studio Tour, features sets from films such as 1975 classic Jaws and Jordan Peele's recent hit Nope.

The crash came as Universal Studios Hollywood prepared to mark the 60th anniversary of the tour, with celebrations set to begin on Friday.

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Universal Studios Tram Tour Crashes Into Guardrail, 15 People Hospitalized With Minor Injuries

The calamity was real this time for riders of the Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour over the weekend as one of the cars hit a guardrail, sending 15 people to the hospital with minor injuries, Los Angeles fire officials said.

The Saturday night theme park ride – which over the years has simulated for tourists everything from earthquakes and floods to a shark attack and a plane crash – got real when the trailing car clipped a guardrail, tilted and ejected some of its passengers, according to a social media post from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

No one was seriously injured. Fifteen of those who were hurt were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

“The tram had just passed the Jurassic Park Cars and was making a turn to head northbound on Avenue M. Due to unknown reasons, while negotiating the turn onto Avenue M, the last car of the tram collided with a metal guardrail on the right side of the roadway causing it to tilt and eject multiple passengers from the tram,” police said in a subsequent statement.

TRAM ACCIDENT | FS51 | 3900 Lankershim Blvd #StudioCity | #LACoFD at 9:05 units were dispatched to a tram accident where 15 patients were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. CHP will be the lead investigatory agency for all further inquiries. #StudioIC — L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) April 21, 2024

The statement said the crash was still being investigated, and that drugs or alcohol are not suspected to be a factor.

“Saturday night on the Studio Tour, a tram collided with a guardrail while making a left turn,” Universal said in a statement to multiple media outlets. “Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor. We are working closely with public agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, as we continue our review of the incident and safety remains a top priority. We have resumed Studio Tour operations with a modified route and are reinforcing our operational and safety protocols.”

The tram tour is among Universal Studios’ most visited attractions. The slow-moving multi-car tram takes riders through the backlot and includes multiple stops, including famed movie sets and sophisticated simulations like King Kong- and “Fast & Furious”-themed special-affects sequences.

The post Universal Studios Tram Tour Crashes Into Guardrail, 15 People Hospitalized With Minor Injuries appeared first on TheWrap .

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15 injured in Universal Studios Hollywood tram crash

Universal studios tram crash injures 15.

Fifteen people were injured after a tram crashed on the Universal Studios lot, though most of the injuries were reportedly minor.

LOS ANGELES - More than a dozen people were injured Saturday night after a tram crashed at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Reports of the crash came in around 9 p.m. in the 3900 block of Lankershim Boulevard.

"The collision caused several passengers to fall out of the vehicle," authorities said. According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, 15 people were taken to local hospitals for treatment of minor injuries.

Images above the scene from SkyFOX showed crews treating several patients on the ground, and the empty tram nearby. 

CHP Officer Sergio Garcia said the initial report indicated that the tram overturned.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol .

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"We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident," a spokesperson with Universal Studios Hollywood said. 

The tram tour of Universal Studios is one of the most popular attractions at the Universal City theme park, featuring a one-hour behind-the- scenes look at the backlot where some of Hollywood' s most famous television shows, movies and other productions were filmed.

City News Service contributed to this report.  

Universal Studios tram ejects ‘multiple passengers’ after crashing into guardrail; 15 people taken to hospital with minor injuries

More than a dozen people suffered mostly minor injuries when a tram used for tours crashed into a railing at Universal Studios Hollywood near Los Angeles, authorities and the company said.

Los Angeles County Fire Department units responded shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday to the theme park in Universal City, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of downtown LA, the agency said in a social media post.

The California Highway Patrol said that while the tram was negotiating a turn, its last car collided with a metal guardrail, “causing it to tilt and eject .”

The fire department said 15 people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries. The highway patrol’s statement on Sunday said some of the injuries were moderate, but didn’t specify a number.

A Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson confirmed in an email to The Associated Press that there were “multiple minor injuries” but didn’t provide details on the accident.

Sheriff’s Lt. Maria Abal said the four-car tram used for movie studio backlot tours might have experienced an issue with its brakes.

The highway patrol is leading the investigation. The agency said alcohol and drugs were not considered a factor.

The tram circuit, called the World-Famous Studio Tour, offers a glimpse behind the scenes of Universal movies including “Jaws” and Jordan Peele’s “Nope.” The theme park will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the tour starting Friday.

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Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Crashes, Leaving 15 Injured

By Michaela Zee

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A tram accident at Universal Studios Hollywood injured 15 riders on Saturday night, authorities said.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department units were dispatched shortly after 9 p.m. PT to the theme park, the department said in a social media post . A total of 15 people sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

In a statement to Variety , a Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson confirmed “there was a tram incident at the theme park tonight that resulted in multiple minor injuries.”

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The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but “alcohol and drugs are not considered to be a factor in this crash,” the CPH said.

A spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood issued another statement, saying, “Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor. We are working closely with public agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, as we continue our review of the incident and safety remains a top priority. We have resumed Studio Tour operations with a modified route and are reinforcing our operational and safety protocols.”

Universal Studios Hollywood operates multi-car trams for its World-Famous Studio Tour. The one-hour tour takes visitors behind the scenes of the Universal Studios lot, where films and television shows like “Nope,” “Back to the Future,” “Desperate Housewives,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and more were filmed. The ride is also known for King Kong 360 3-D, one of the world’s largest 3-D experiences, and the “Jaws” shark attack. Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the attraction beginning next week.

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Crime and Public Safety | 15 injured after tram crashes into railing at…

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Crime and public safety | 15 injured after tram crashes into railing at universal studios hollywood.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department were called to the scene at around 9 p.m. The California Highway Patrol later took over the investigation.

The tram tour was preparing to turn and head northbound on Avenue M after passing the “Jurassic Park Cars” portion of the tour when the last car on the tram collided with a metal guard on the right side of the roadway. The collision caused the tram to tilt and eject multiple passengers, the CHP said in its report.

Initial reports that the four-car tram crashed due to a problem with the brakes turned out to be unfounded, according to Universal officials.

The crash occurred due to unknown reasons and the cause of the accident is still under investigation, according to the CHP. Alcohol and drugs were not a factor in the crash, according to the CHP.

Fifteen people were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries, according to the fire department.

“We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident,” a Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson said on Sunday.

The tram tour is one of the most popular attractions at the Universal City theme park, featuring a one-hour behind-the-scenes look at the backlot where some of Hollywood’s most famous television shows and movies were filmed.

Starting Friday and continuing through Aug. 11, the tour is set to add several temporary attractions including immersive photo ops, throwback tram cars and an original replica of the Hollywood sign as part of its 60th anniversary celebration.

It was unclear whether Saturday’s accident would alter those plans.

Staff writer Brady MacDonald and City News Service contributed to this report.

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15 people injured after tram crashes at Universal Studios

UNIVERSAL CITY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Fifteen people were injured after a backlot-tour tram crashed at Universal Studios Saturday night, according to authorities.

Just after 9 p.m., the tram was making a turn during the park's studio backlot tour when the last car struck a metal guardrail, causing it to tilt and eject multiple passengers, according to the CHP.

Fifteen people were evaluated and brought to local hospitals for treatment. Initial reports had described one person as having critical injuries, but officials later revised that, saying all had "minor to moderate injuries."

There was no indication of alcohol or drugs as a factor in the crash, but the cause remains under investigation.

The collision happened as the tram had passed the Jurassic Park cars and was turning north onto Avenue M.

"Our thoughts continue to be with the guests who were involved, and we are thankful that based on agency reports, the injuries sustained were minor," Universal Studios Hollywood said in a written statement.

The tram tour is expected to mark its 60th anniversary on Friday. It's not clear if the incident will impact some of the special events planned to mark the occasion.

The tram tour resumed Sunday with a modified route, though some visitors told Eyewitness News they were reluctant to take it after news of the incident.

Other visitors said word of the crash was particularly surprising because it is the other rides at the park that seemingly present more danger than the slow-speed trams.

Daniel Katz and his son Samuel are frequent visitors to Universal Studios since they live near the park.

"We go 20 times a year," Daniel Katz said. "He goes on the tram ride every time, sometimes multiple times. It's the safest ride in any amusement park, so it's shocking"

Related Topics

• UNIVERSAL CITY
• LOS ANGELES
• LOS ANGELES COUNTY

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15 people suffer minor injuries in tram accident at Universal Studios theme park near LA

Universal City, Calif. – More than a dozen people suffered minor injuries when a tram used for tours crashed into a railing at Universal Studios Hollywood near Los Angeles, authorities and the company said.

Los Angeles County Fire Department units responded shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday to the theme park in Universal City, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of downtown LA, the agency said in a social media post.

A Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson confirmed in an email to The Associated Press that there were “multiple minor injuries” but didn't provide details on the accident.

The fire department said 15 people were transported to hospitals with minor injuries.

Sheriff's Lt. Maria Abal said the four-car tram used for movie studio backlot tours might have experienced an issue with its brakes.

The California Highway Patrol will lead the investigation, the fire department said.

The tram circuit, called the World-Famous Studio Tour, offers a glimpse behind the scenes of Universal movies including “Jaws” and Jordan Peele's “Nope.” The theme park will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the tour starting Friday.

15 people injured in tram crash at Universal Studios Hollywood

F ifteen people were injured Saturday evening at Universal Studios Hollywood following a crash that involved a tram, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The crash was reported sometime before 9:30 p.m. According to LA County Fire Department, one person was critically injured in the incident. The severity of the injuries of other parties was not disclosed.

A spokesperson for the theme park released the following statement:

"There was a tram incident at the theme park tonight that resulted in multiple minor injuries, confirmed by the LA County Fire Dept. We are working to support our guests and understand the circumstances that led to the accident."

The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. According to the LA County Sheriff’s information bureau, initial reports indicated that there was an issue with the brakes, but they could not confirm that and said CHP would continue to investigate. 

According to the California Highway Patrol, “the tram had just passed the ‘Jurassic Park Cars’ and was making a turn to head northbound on Avenue M. Due to unknown reasons, while negotiating the turn onto Avenue M, the last car of the tram collided with a metal guardrail on the right side of the roadway causing it to tilt and eject multiple passengers from the tram.”

Fifteen passengers were transported to hospitals for medical treatment and evaluations with minor to moderate injuries, CHP said. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies and California Highway Patrol officers were also at the scene on Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood.

“Deputies responded to the lower parking lot of Universal Studios Hollywood regarding a tour tram collision,'' the Sheriff's Information Bureau said. “The collision caused several passengers to fall out of the vehicle. LA County Fire treated people on-scene and several were transported via ambulance to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

“California Highway Patrol [also] responded to the location to take a collision report. The cause of the accident is still under investigation and there is no further information at this time.”

CHP Officer Sergio Garcia said the initial report indicated that the tram overturned.

The last car struck a rail when it was traveling down a hill of a parking structure, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Lt. Maria Abal told the Los Angeles Times.

“There was some type of issue with the brakes,” Abal said. “We don't exactly know what yet.”

The tram tour of Universal Studios is one of the most popular attractions at the Universal City theme park, featuring a one-hour behind-the-scenes look at the backlot where some of Hollywood's most famous television shows, movies and other productions were filmed.

Starting Friday, and continuing through Aug. 11, the studio tour is set to add several temporary attractions including immersive photo ops, a first-ever original replica of the Hollywood sign and retro-themed food, drink and merchandise as part of its 60th anniversary celebration.

It was unclear whether Saturday's mishap would alter those plans.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, however, alcohol and drugs were not considered to be a factor in the crash. 

Anyone with information regarding the crash is advised to contact Investigating Officer L. Hawkins or Public Information Officer R. Gomez at 213-744-2331 at the Central Los Angeles CHP office during business hours. For after business hours, please contact the Los Angeles Communications Center at 323-259-3200.

NBC Universal is the parent company of Universal Studios and this station.