Alton Towers will remain closed until the cause of a rollercoaster crash that left 16 people injured is determined, the theme park's boss has confirmed. The Staffordshire attraction has been shut for a second day as the Health and Safety Executive investigates Tuesday's incident.
Nick Varney, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments which operates the park, stated that the park can only reopen once they are certain the problem is isolated to The Smiler ride. Two carriages collided on the £18m rollercoaster at approximately 14:00 BST, leaving passengers trapped 25ft (7.6m) up at a 45-degree angle for up to four-and-a-half hours.
Four people sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to major trauma centres across the West Midlands. They are Joe Pugh, 18, and Leah Washington, 17, both from Barnsley; Daniel Thorpe, 27, from Buxton; and Vicky Balch, 19, from Leyland. Mr Thorpe's father confirmed his son is being treated in Coventry, while Royal Stoke University Hospital continues to treat the other three.
Writing in The Sun, Mr Varney said: 'At this point I don't know if it was a technological or a human error. We want to know if this issue is isolated to The Smiler. We can't open again until we're sure.' A passenger, Vanisha Singh, reported 'technical difficulties' moments before boarding, as several test cars were sent ahead.
Paul Kelly from the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) described the industry as 'shocked and devastated', noting the incident was 'outside normal parameters'. The investigation will cover ride operators, manufacturer instructions and climatic conditions. The rollercoaster, which holds a world record for 14 loops, has been closed twice over safety concerns since opening two years ago.
An Alton Towers spokesman confirmed the park will remain closed on Thursday, offering full refunds or alternative dated tickets to guests with pre-booked tickets. Those affected can also use their tickets at another Merlin attraction.
