Woman sues haunted house after breaking both ankles at the tourist attraction
Woman sues haunted house after breaking both ankles at the tourist attraction
Visitor Sues NYC Haunted House After Suffering Severe Injuries
Solainne Moncero-Tannis, 33, has taken legal action against the popular New York City haunted house, A Haunting in Hollis, after a visit in October 2023 left her with two broken ankles. The incident occurred when she descended a 20-foot slide called Satan’s Slope, which her lawyer, Michael Goldberg, described as a dangerous, pitch-dark slide that ended abruptly on concrete. Goldberg expressed disbelief at the lack of safety measures in place at the haunted attraction, which has been running for years.
The Haunted House’s Troubling History of Injuries
Located on Hollis Avenue in Queens Village, A Haunting in Hollis has been a community fixture since 2002. Owned by Janette and Lataya Carter, the haunted house has faced a total of five lawsuits from injured visitors—four of them occurring in 2022 and 2023 alone.
Moncero-Tannis, who required surgery following her accident, described her recovery process as grueling. “It’s been a struggle emotionally, mentally, and physically,” she told the New York Post. She also mentioned ongoing challenges, stating, “I still have difficulty with everyday tasks like navigating stairs.”
Safety Concerns Shut Down A Haunting in Hollis
Due to mounting concerns, New York City officials shut down the haunted attraction on October 5, 2023, issuing a full vacate order. FDNY deputy chief Tom Currao explained that the building had been “radically altered,” with poor emergency exits and structural modifications that posed severe risks. Inspectors also discovered blocked exits, a maze, and a lack of fireproofing, all of which contributed to the unsafe environment.
“The setup inside made it extremely difficult for anyone to evacuate in an emergency,” said Currao. He also highlighted various building code violations, including electrical issues and missing support beams. Inspectors found that wooden beams had been removed to make space for a spiral staircase, and holes were discovered in the walls.
A Haunted Experience Turned Legal Nightmare
The Haunting in Hollis was marketed as an interactive experience, complete with a maze, escape rooms, live actors, and a $30 entry fee. Visitors were required to sign an online waiver, releasing the owners from liability for injuries or even death. Despite the legal protection, this recent lawsuit raises questions about the safety of haunted attractions in the city, which are not currently subject to licensing requirements.
