A vintage Disneyland bus on display at the Volo Auto Museum was damaged on Monday when two school age children crashed the vehicle into a tree.
Photo from Chicago Tribune
What happened:
- According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, two school age children visiting the Volo Auto Museum on Monday, ventured into a restricted area and caused a reported $450,000 in damage to a Disney owned bus.
- The children managed to board the antique double decker bus and released it from its parked position. The bus rolled for 80 feet until it crashed into a tree. Fortunately, no one was injured.
- The bus was undergoing maintenance and was being kept in a closed off area that was marked with a sign reading: “Do Not Enter — Restricted Area.”
- No keys were left in bus, however due to the fact that the bus has vintage car parts, the children were able to move it out of park. The Tribune reports, “the vehicle’s frame is bent, its steering wheel is broken and a brass radiator shell was mangled, according to the release. The museum filed a claim with its insurance company.”
Photo from Chicago Tribune
What their saying:
- Brian Grams, director of the museum: “There couldn’t have been a better outcome to a bad situation. The bus hit the tree straight on at its sturdiest point. The damage would have been much greater had it been just a few inches to the left or right.”
- Brian Grams: “We are working hard to have it ready for (Aug. 11) and are confident it will be done.”
About the bus:
- Originally used at Disneyland in 1956, the double decker vehicle was also driven at Epcot starting in 1982 until it was retired in 2000. The Museum acquired and restored the bus in 2014.
- The bus was under maintenance for an upcoming August 11th event where visitor could take rides and be greeted by costumed characters.
- The Tribune says that Grams states, “the only mechanical damage to the bus is a radiator that can easily be repaired. He described it as cosmetic damage that may have to wait until after the Aug. 11 event.”