June 2015 incident
A major incident occurred on 2 June 2015 on The Smiler, when a train carrying passengers collided with an empty test train, resulting in serious injuries to a number of riders.
Shortly before the collision, an additional train had been introduced to the ride's circuit. An empty train dispatched for testing subsequently stalled on the track, reportedly after a gust of wind, triggering the ride's block safety system to halt further movement. Engineers on duty manually overrode the system, reportedly unaware that the stalled train remained on the course following the recent addition of another train. As a result, a following train carrying passengers was permitted to proceed and collided with the stationary train ahead.[60]
Two of the riders sitting in the front row required leg amputations.[61] Other riders in the back suffered from varying degrees of injury, from whiplash to punctured lungs and shattered kneecaps. It took three hours from when the initial crash happened to when the riders were freed.
Varney released a public statement stating: "This has been a terrible incident and a devastating day for everyone here. We have a very strong record of safe operation of our rides here at Alton Towers and it is our priority. I would like to express my sincerest regret and apology to everyone who suffered injury and distress today and to their families."
Subsequently, Merlin Entertainments decided to temporarily close Saw – The Ride at Thorpe Park and two other roller coasters at Chessington World of Adventures while safety protocols and procedures were evaluated for its multi-car roller coasters.[63][64] The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) served a Prohibition Notice upon the Smiler, preventing the ride's use until remedial action had been completed.[65] On 27 July 2015, it was stated by Merlin Entertainments chief executive Nick Varney that The Smiler would "not be opening this summer".[66] The Health and Safety Executive initiated a criminal investigation.[67]
Alton Towers and its owner Merlin Entertainments observed a drop in revenue and visitor numbers in the incident's aftermath. Due to the financial impacts of the incident, up to 190 jobs at the park were reportedly made redundant[68] and six other rides remained closed during the following 2016 season.[69]
The ride eventually reopened on 19 March 2016 with additional safety features.[70] Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd was prosecuted by the HSE at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 22 April 2016, in which the firm pleaded guilty.[71][72] On 27 September 2016, after a two-day hearing at Stafford Crown Court, Judge Michael Chambers QC fined Merlin Entertainments £5 million; the value of the fine was reduced by one third from £7.5 million as credit for the guilty plea.[73][74] In September 2018, Vicky Balch and Leah Washington, who lost their legs on the ride after the crash in June 2015, sued Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd for negligence and/or breach of statutory duty.[75]
