Corporate prosecution launched over Smiler theme park crash

THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is to prosecute Alton Towers’ owner Merlin Attractions over last June’s Smiler ride accident which left five people seriously injured.

Two female passengers on the ride suffered leg amputations and three others were also seriously injured when their carriage collided with a stationary carriage on the same track.

Neil Craig, head of operations for HSE in the Midlands said: “This was a serious incident with life-changing consequences for five people.

“We have conducted a very thorough investigation and consider that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to bring a prosecution.”

Merlin Attractions Operation Ltd will appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme in April to face a charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Earlier today, before the HSE notification of the prosecution, Merlin’s chief executive Nick Varney said the crash had meant 2015 was “the most difficult year” in the company’s history. 

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