A Universal Orlando Resort employee was hospitalized earlier this year after suffering a serious electrical shock while working at Epic Universe, the company’s newest theme park expansion.
According to reports, the incident occurred on April 24 during routine maintenance at Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry, one of Epic Universe’s marquee attractions. The employee reportedly came into contact with a 480-volt electrical busbar while working on ride equipment and was later transported to Orlando Health for treatment.
Federal safety records indicate the worker was “severely shocked” and sustained multiple injuries, including a dislocated shoulder, fractured ribs, and a broken arm. The incident took place around 7:22 a.m., suggesting the park was not yet open to guests at the time.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated the incident and determined that a critical safety step had not been followed. According to the agency’s findings, the busbar — a component that distributes electrical power to ride vehicles — was not properly locked out before maintenance began. OSHA noted that the ride vehicle is typically locked out in three separate locations and that the electrical circuit powering the busbar is normally secured during maintenance procedures.
Universal Orlando Resort did not publicly comment on the incident, and OSHA records do not include an update on the employee’s condition following hospitalization.
Epic Universe officially opened to the public on May 22 after a period of previews earlier in the spring. The park has drawn widespread attention for its large-scale, immersive lands themed around SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However, the electrical shock incident has added a layer of scrutiny during the park’s early months of operation.
Electrical injuries are considered especially dangerous in workplace settings, as the severity of injury often depends on voltage, duration of exposure, and proximity to vital organs. OSHA guidance warns that even lower-voltage shocks can result in serious or fatal outcomes under certain conditions.
This incident is not the first time Universal Orlando has faced safety-related investigations. In 2019, OSHA examined reports of electrical shocks at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park, an issue later attributed to construction-related electrical problems.
This remains a developing story. Additional information may emerge as more details are released or if Universal Orlando issues a formal statement. This article will be updated as new information becomes available.
