08/06/2015

Alton Towers To Reopen

Alton Towers has reopened today, Monday 8 June, almost a week after it was forced to close.

Last Tuesday (2 June), the theme park closed following a crash on one of its rollercoasters – The Smiler. A total of 16 people were injured – four seriously – in the incident where two carriages crashed on a low section of track. The carriage collided with a second stationary, unoccupied carriage.

Two men, aged 18 and 27, a girl, aged 17, and another 19-year-old woman suffered serious injuries in the incident. After being freed from the carriage, they were airlifted to major trauma centres.

The remaining passengers – six women and six men – suffered less serious injuries. However, it has since emerged that one of those passengers has been admitted to hospital with serious internal injuries.

While Alton Towers has reopened to the public, The Smiler remains closed, as do a number of the park's other rides until enhanced safety protocols have been put in place.

(JP)

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