Four teenagers have been seriously injured in a rollercoaster crash at the Alton Towers theme park in the UK. Sixteen people were riding in the
ADVERTISEMENTFour teenagers have been seriously injured in a rollercoaster crash at the Alton Towers theme park in the UK.
Sixteen people were riding in the carriage when it’s believed they crashed into an empty stationary carriage on the Smiler ride.
Stuck some 8 metres in the air at a 45 metre angle for several hours, rescuers managed to airlift the injured to safety, and they are now receiving treatment at Stoke and Coventry trauma units.
Investigation under way after 4 people seriously injured in #AltonTowers rollercoaster crash http://t.co/BNbsctopGQpic.twitter.com/MZHJFQz7Je
— Western Morning News (@WMNNews) June 2, 2015
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang and screams when the accident occured at around 2pm local time.
The director said the accident was the most serious in the park’s history. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash.
The Smiler ride opened in May 2013 and holds the Guinness World Record for the most loops on a rollercoaster, according to the park’s website.
The decision was made to close the park on Wednesday.
1of3: The decision has been taken that Alton Towers theme park will not open tomorrow 3/6/15 following the dreadful incident on The Smiler
— Alton Towers Resort (@altontowers) June 2, 2015
The ride was closed in July of the same year after reports that a bolt fell from the track, and again in November after a plastic guard came loose.