A woman has launched legal action after allegedly being struck by a flying Swiss Army Knife while on a ride at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, located within the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The incident reportedly took place on 29 July 2025, and has raised significant concerns regarding safety measures at the park.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Flying-Knife-Nickelodeon-Universe-Park-American-Dream-Mall-041426-tout-2b0e8ce238f74881b53a7089c94f05f2.jpg)
The plaintiff, Xianghua Nan, claims she sustained serious injuries, including facial laceration, cervical spine trauma, and additional medical conditions, after the knife struck her directly in the face during the attraction. Following the incident, she requested that the ride be halted, at which point an employee retrieved the knife from the floor. According to Nan, she was met with unprofessional behaviour from staff, as one was seen laughing during her treatment.
Nan’s attorney, Howard Myerowitz, explained that they are still investigating the origin of the knife, which has been linked to a local tax solutions company. The weapon’s presence has raised alarming questions, especially since weapons are strictly forbidden from being brought into the amusement park. Myerowitz noted that the knife appeared to carry contact information related to the company and suggested that it may have been distributed as a promotional item. He described this practice as “frankly bizarre.”
The knife was retained by the Nickelodeon Universe staff, and Myerowitz indicated that they have attempted to contact the tax company in Emerson, New Jersey, but have received little cooperation in their enquiries. They plan to consider naming this company a defendant if the investigation does not yield further information about the distribution of the knives.
Nan’s lawsuit names several parties as defendants, including the management of the American Dream Mall, the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, and Triple Five Worldwide LLC, the parent company operating the mall. In her complaint, Nan highlights that there were no clear visual or verbal instructions provided at the ride concerning the removal of potential hazards from pockets before boarding.
In her legal filings, Nan is seeking damages to cover the costs of her medical treatment, which already amounts to over $13,600, alongside compensation for physical pain and any permanent injuries she may have sustained. She is also requesting a jury trial to present her case.
While a spokesperson for American Dream Mall, which is responsible for public relations concerning the theme park, refrained from commenting due to the ongoing litigation, inquiries directed to Triple Five Worldwide were met with silence, as they have not responded to requests for information.
The incident raises significant concerns about the safety protocols at amusement parks, particularly regarding the handling of prohibited items. The ongoing investigation into how the knife came to be within the park’s vicinity will likely be closely monitored as parties prepare for the ensuing legal battle.
As both sides gather evidence and construct their arguments, the outcomes of this case may have broader implications for safety regulations at entertainment venues and the responsibilities of park operators to ensure visitor security.