Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Lizzie Dearden

Smiler rollercoaster: Passengers stuck after Alton Towers ride breaks down months after reopening following crash

The Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers has broken down, trapping passengers in the air just months after it reopened following a crash.

Footage showed more than a dozen riders stuck on the ride, with their carriages stationary on the track.

The people were reportedly stuck on the ride for over an hour.

An Alton Towers spokesperson told the Independent the ride has now been evacuated, but that it hopes to be operational again later today.

They said: “On Thursday 1st September, Alton Towers Resort stopped The Smiler to investigate claims a piece of debris had fallen from a carriage. 

“At no time were guests on the ride at any risk and all were safely removed from the ride promptly by staff in line with our comprehensive safety procedures.

“As the health and safety of our guests is our priority, the ride will remain closed whilst the resort’s technical team investigate the matter.”

The rollercoaster reopened in March this year following a safety investigation sparked by a crash that caused two riders to have part of their legs amputated.

Vicky Balch and Leah Washington were among several people left with serious injuries after their carriage crashed with another that was stationary on the track.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.