Disneyland worker critically hurt in Space Mountain accident

A machinist for Disneyland was critically hurt earlier this month in an accident at the theme park's Space Mountain ride.

Details of the incident were still unclear.

Suzi Brown of the Disneyland Resort said the ride did not malfunction and that "it was cleared for normal operation."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our cast member and his family," she said. "On behalf of his fellow cast members, we offer our heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery."

The Oct. 3 accident occurred as the machinist was testing a vehicle on the popular high-speed ride, said Patricia Ortiz, a California Division of Occupational Safety and Health spokeswoman.

"Preliminary information that we heard was that he was struck by the vehicle ... how [is] still being determined," Ortiz said.

The Disney worker suffered critical back, chest and head injuries and was taken to UC Irvine Medical Center, authorities said.

Ortiz said that as the state investigates the accident, employees or witnesses who may have been present at the time of the accident will be interviewed.

The investigation could take up to six months, she said.

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