News: Disney announces changes to Primeval Whirl

Posted at 4:39 PM EST (2139 GMT)

Mar. 5th, 2008 -- Walt Disney World has announced safety changes to the Primeval Whirl coaster at Animal Kingdom in response to the death of an employee last year.

Disney is changing the entry and exit areas of Primeval Whirl by installing sensor mats in restricted-access areas. In addition, the ride platform will be extended and bold stripes will be added to the load and unload zones, Disney World spokeswoman Kim Prunty said Wednesday.

The sensor mats will shut down the ride if a person sets foot there, she said.

Ride attendant Karen Price was hit by a ride car and fell from a platform on Nov. 24. She died a few days later.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is still investigating the death.

The safety work is being done after hours and will take a few weeks. It shouldn't disrupt operation of the ride, Prunty said.

For more information visit The Charlotte Observer.

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