ORLANDO, Fl.a -- Eyewitness News learned that a Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure park employee was seriously injured after being struck in the head by a ride car as the Dueling Dragons ride was going through its daily morning checks.

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911 CALL: Man Calls For Help
WORKER INJURED: See Images | Watch Video

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A man called for help just after 7:00am on a special emergency line used by Universal staff that bypasses even the 911 system.

"Like to request a unit for an unresponsive employee that was hit by one of the rides," said the caller.

"Somebody is unresponsive?" asked the 911 operator.

"He was hit by one of the ride vehicles at Dueling Dragons," replied the caller.

"From being hit on the head, okay," responded the dispatcher.

Fire rescue officials provided few details, but said the man was found unresponsive upon arrival and that he was transported by ground to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition.

Universal spokesperson Tom Schroder released a statement saying, "Universal is doing everything to support the team member and his family at this time."

The ride was not open and there were no guests in the park at the time of the incident. The Dueling Dragons ride was shut down for hours.

According to the Islands of Adventure website, the ride travels as fast as 55 mph, but it's unclear how fast the ride vehicle was moving when it struck the man.

It's unclear if the worker was a regular on the Dueling Dragons maintenance crew. Wednesday afternoon, workers tested the ride again for any problems.

The ride was reopened Wednesday afternoon after the inspection. Universal officials said the accident had nothing to do with the safety of the ride and would not elaborate on how it happened or the present condition of the employee.