What happened to the Smiler at Alton Towers?

A fully loaded train travelling approximately 50 mph (80 km/h) collided with an empty, stationary train. Of the eleven riders who required medical treatment, five were seriously injured. Two required partial leg amputations in the weeks following the incident.

What actually happened on the Smiler crash?

While they were on the ride, an empty carriage came to a stop on the track in front of them, and their carriage crashed into it at speed. Joe sustained injuries including two shattered kneecaps and damage to his hands. Leah's legs were crushed.

Why is Smiler closed in Alton Towers?

The crash on the Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers that seriously injured five people was caused by human error, the theme park's owner has said. Merlin Entertainments said the ride would reopen next year after being closed since the crash in June.

What was the worst theme park accident in the UK?

The Smiler Crash - Alton Towers, 2015

It was supposed to be a thrill ride but instead, it became one of the UK's most shocking rollercoaster accidents. A fully loaded train on Alton Towers' famous ride The Smiler collided with an empty carriage at 20mph. It wasn't a mechanical fault but a chain of human errors.

Who survived the Smiler ride?

We will speak about their unique journey and delve into the highs and the lows which ultimately define them. On this episode we speak with Joe and Leah. Joe and Leah were victim to a horrific crash on the Smiler ride at Alton Towers almost 10 years ago on their first date.

What Really Happened on The Smiler Alton Towers june 2nd 2015?

Did the Smiler crash victim get compensation?

Victims of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash have received their first insurance payments. A law firm representing eight of those injured when two carriages of the Smiler ride crashed on 2 June said interim payments had been released to help with the victims' rehabilitation.

How safe is the Smiler now?

It is perfectly safe today. 2 Chain lift systems, 2nd is vertical. 4 trains with 4 cars. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 16 riders per train.

What was the deadliest roller coaster accident?

The Battersea Park funfair disaster happened in Battersea Park, London, on 30 May 1972; five children died and thirteen others were injured when a wooden roller coaster train came off its tracks. A report on the roller coaster after the crash found 51 faults on the ride.

Which theme park is shutting down after 40 years?

The largest theme park in Wales has closed with immediate effect, after nearly 40 years. Aspro Parks, which owns Oakwood Theme Park in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, said it reached the "difficult decision" due to financial challenges and declining visitor numbers.

How safe are Alton Towers?

In our 40 year history, Alton Towers Resort has delivered over 1 billion rides, entertained over 87 million visitors and our teams have completed over 64,000 hours of inspection time. Every year, independent inspectors spend about 1800 hours checking all our rides to make sure they are safe to ride.

Does the Smiler spray laughing gas?

The Giggler releases infectious, intoxicating laughing gas and The Hypnotiser has the power to disorientate, mesmerize and disrupt your self-awareness. Please note that due to health and safety, laughing gas is not used and instead it is just water vapor.

What is the curse of Alton Towers?

The Storyline

On the stroke of midnight Emily cursed the house, causing the party guests to instantly perish, as Emily and her parents mysteriously disappeared. Today, the house is up for sale and guests are invited inside for a viewing of the dilapidated property.

What is Leah Washington doing now?

It took Leah a while to come to terms with how her prosthetic looks, but now enjoys showing off her componentry. The future is looking bright for Leah and after over 8 years together, Leah's boyfriend who shattered both his knees in the accident, proposed in 2022, and the two of them look forward to getting married.

Is the Smiler painful?

However, varying ride to ride it can be quite rough. It's usually fine if you ride defensively and doesn't take away from the experience too much. The intensity, theming and amazing airtime are phenomenal anyway.

Who owns Alton Towers?

Who owns Alton Towers? Alton Towers Resort is part of the Merlin Entertainments family. Merlin are “serious about fun” and dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences. Alton Towers was originally owned by the Earl of Shrewsbury and the Talbot family.

How much did Nemesis cost to build?

Operational history. The £10 million Nemesis officially opened to the public on 19 March 1994, following a soft opening three days prior. It opened as one of the first Bolliger & Mabillard rides to be installed outside the United States, along with Diavlo at Himeji Central Park, Japan, which opened four months later.

What is Britain's oldest theme park?

Step into a world where dinosaurs roam, pirates set sail, and fairy tales come to life. Blackgang Chine, Land of Imagination, is the UK's oldest theme park, bringing adventure and storytelling to families on the Isle of Wight for over 180 years.

What is the new theme park in 2026?

Launching Early 2026

Get ready for liftoff! LEGOLAND® California Resort is charting a course for an out-of-this-world adventure with a brand-new, immersive, space-themed land set to launch in early 2026 featuring a groundbreaking indoor roller coaster!

What is the biggest abandoned theme park?

What is the most painful roller coaster?

Does Battersea Funfair still exist?

Battersea Funfair closed in 1977, nostalgic comments from people who visited the funfair as children, sharing memories and expressing sadness about its closure.

How much did Smiler cost to build?

Opening at Alton Towers on 31st May 2013, at a cost of £18 million, today we celebrate The Smiler's 12th birthday 🎉 This Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster still holds the world record for the number of inversions, with a total of 14!

Does the Smiler still have the most loops?

Get ready to experience all 14 loops on The Smiler 😵‍💫🎢

What is the fastest ride in Alton Towers?

The Rita Rollercoaster

Rita powers you straight to 100kph in just 2.5 seconds, putting your body through 4.7G. At lightning pace, Rita navigates every twist and turn of the track, as you break free from the clutches of the Dark Forest.