Alton Towers rollercoaster to remain closed

THE Alton Towers rollercoaster on which four people were seriously injured is to remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future, reports have claimed.

Sky News reported that the Smiler ride would not be operational once the theme park reopens.

The park has been closed to the public since Tuesday’s incident – costing owner Merlin Entertainment millions of pounds in lost revenue.

It has also been reported that the Saw ride at Alton Towers’ sister park, Thorpe Park is also to be closed indefinitely.

Merlin is understood to want additional safety protocols and procedures introduced before it is satisfied the rides are safe.

The Health and Safety Executive has removed the Smiler carriages involved in the incident and has taken them to its safety laboratory in Buxton for further analysis.

It said the investigation into the incident continued and HSE inspectors remained on site. They have served a Prohibition notice on the rollercoaster stopping its use until action is taken to deal with the cause of the failure.

Neil Craig, Head of Operations for HSE in the Midlands said: “The Notice is specific to the ‘Smiler’ ride and does not affect other rides at the park. HSE expects the park operator to apply any early learning from the incident to wider risk management at the site.

“The decision about when to re-open the park is for the owners to make.”

The park remained closed on Saturday.

Despite the closure, the Smiler ride is still being promoted on the Alton Towers website.

It states: “Experience the world’s first 14 looping rollercoaster! Not for the faint hearted, The Smiler also features a series of twisted psychological effects, including optical illusions and blinding lights designed to mess with your mind and body.

“You belong to The Smiler

“Not only does The Smiler have a jaw-dropping 14 inversions and plunging 30 metre drops, the ride also features twisted psychological effects to mess with your mind!

“Join us…”