Alton Towers to remain shut after accident
NORTH Staffordshire theme park Alton Towers will stay closed until yesterday’s rollercoaster accident in which four people were seriously injured is investigated.
Two carriages crashed on ride The Smiler leaving some passengers trapped for four-and-a-half hours.
The £18m Smiler ride is the world’s first the 14-loop rollercoaster.
Two men, aged 27 and 18, a woman aged 19 and a girl, 17, suffered serious leg injuries in the crash.
Unconfirmed reports suggests that one person has lost a leg.
Another 12 people – six men and six women – required medical treatment.
In total, 34 firefighters – including a special rope rescue team – were involved in the rescue operation, together with four separate air ambulance helicopters.
Nick Varney, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, which owns the park, said: “This has been a terrible incident and a devastating day for everyone here.
“The safety of our visitors is our primary concern. The park will remain closed until we understand better the cause of this dreadful incident.”
The accident is thought to be the most serious in the park’s history.
Merlin Entertainment endured a difficult day on the stock exchange following the accident. Its shares fell by almost 3.5% at the end of trading, making the company the biggest faller on the day.
