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Busch Gardens Tampa ride attendant hurt in SkyRide fall

By Robert Niles
Published: July 18, 2009 at 8:12 PM
We're getting reports that a 20-year-old Busch Gardens Tampa employee was hurt today when he fell 35 feet from the park's SkyRide attraction.

Maikon Bonani, 20, reportedly broke a bone in his back in the fall. Bonani is the starting kicker on the University of South Florida football team, and the team's coach confirmed the injury to the St. Pete Times newspaper.

Readers' Opinions

From Vincent S on July 18, 2009 at 10:00 PM
I was there at the park. I heard someone briefly mention someone got hurt there. But I didnt take it seriously since the person who said it was laughing while they said it.
From 173.169.225.25 on July 18, 2009 at 10:28 PM
I was working as an employee at busch gardens today (so I can't release my name) but according to my supervisors, somebody's piece of clothing got caught on the skyride cars doors. and you know how the cars keep on moving...
well, rather than try and free themself, that person kept walking alonside the carts... and kept walking... and eventually they tumbled off the side. i remember at one point on the walkie talkies that all security was being called to the skyride- all of us thought a big fight had broken out
From Pyra Dong on July 18, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Wow, news travels very fast.
Yea, I was working today at the park and heard about it. From what I know, the person who fell from the skyride accidently got some clothing of his caught on the ride cars. For some reason, he kept walking with the cart- I don't know why he wasn't trying to free himself. I hope he'll be okay. I don't want anymore theme park injury news.
From Robert Niles on July 19, 2009 at 7:12 AM
We made a big push at the start of the summer to try to increase consumer awareness about staying safe. Looks like we need a campaign aimed at employees, trainers and managers, as well, as the three biggest incidents of the summer all have involved park workers.
From Adam Clinard on July 19, 2009 at 8:11 AM
And all 3 have happened in Florida, year-round parks.
From Raymond Sydowski on July 19, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Do they not have handpacks at Busch Gardens like they do at Disney?

If they do, did he have it on him?

From Robert Niles on July 19, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Great question, Raymond. Any of these BGT employees have an answer?
From Robert Niles on July 21, 2009 at 5:01 AM
The official word is that the clothing rumor is not accurate, BTW. He was holding on as the bucket left the station, and his clothing was not tangled.

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