Guilty – Alton Towers admits blame for Smiler crash

ALTON TOWERS’ owners Merlin Attractions Operations has pleaded guilty to breaking Health and Safety rules when its Smiler ride crashed in June 2015, leaving five people seriously injured.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a corporate prosecution of Merlin Attractions, which was heard at North Staffordshire Justice Centre this morning.

Two female passengers, Leah Washington and Vicky Balch, 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.

Sentencing will take place at Stafford Crown Court on May 20 after District Judge Jack McGarva passed sentencing up to the higher court.