08 Jun 2015
Alton Towers reopens after Smiler accident
BY Tom Anstey
Alton Towers has reopened six days after a horrific accident on the park’s Smiler left four people seriously injured.
The park reopened at 10:00 GMT today (8 June), having been closed after a carriage full of people on the Smiler collided with an empty one, injuring 16 and hospitalising four with serious leg injuries.
The crash was the first accident in operator Merlin Entertainments’ history. While the park has reopened, Alton Towers’ X-Sector area – which houses the Smiler, Enterprise and Oblivion rides – will remain shut as part of a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation. The 14-loop Smiler is subject to a legal prohibition notice until action is taken to deal with the cause of the crash.
In addition to the Smiler, Merlin has temporarily closed Thorpe Park’s Saw rollercoaster and Chessington World of Adventures’ Dragon’s Fury and Rattlesnake rides. Merlin has also since opted to close its Spinball ride at Alton Towers until enhanced safety protocols have been implemented.
“This has been a terrible experience for everyone involved and one we sincerely regret," said a statement from Merlin CEO Nick Varney. "Our thoughts remain with those who were seriously injured and we are doing everything we can to support them through this difficult time. It is an accident that should not have happened and we are determined that it will never happen again."
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