Dollywood Employee Injured in Onsite Incident, Airlifted for Treatment

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — An employee at Dollywood was seriously injured during an incident at the amusement park Monday morning, prompting a swift response from onsite paramedics and subsequent airlifting to a medical facility.

The Pigeon Forge Fire Department received a call about a rescue for a person with entrapment at 11:04 a.m., according to Fire Chief Tony Watson. He indicated that Dollywood management has directed all further inquiries to their corporate office.

In a statement released shortly after the incident, Wes Ramey, a media representative for Dollywood, confirmed that the employee was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. “Dollywood confirms that an incident at the park earlier today resulted in an employee injury,” Ramey said. “At this time, our priority is supporting our employee and gathering information.”

The incident has raised questions regarding workplace safety procedures at the park, especially with the opening day of the season approaching this Friday. Dollywood stated, “An update will be provided if information becomes available to share.”

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development has been notified of the incident, as per regulations. Chris Cannon, a spokesperson for the department, confirmed that the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) is coordinating an onsite inspection to ascertain the details surrounding the injury. “The employer did report Monday’s hospitalization injury that occurred at Dollywood to Tennessee OSHA within the permissible timeframe,” Cannon said.

Controls that ensure worker safety will be a focal point of the TOSHA investigation, which will delve into the specifics of the incident and any necessary precautions that are required in similar situations.

This developing story will be updated as new information becomes available.