Alton Towers Smiler: Terrified thrill-seekers trapped on ride a year after horror crash left five people seriously injured

1 September 2016

The Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers became stuck today leaving riders trapped in the air.

The 32 thrill-seekers were stuck on the ride, which was only reopened a few months ago following a crash which left five people seriously injured.

Witnesses claim the ride stopped as it climbed before a large drop, leaving riders stuck for around an hour.

The riders were brought down safely and the SMiler will remain closed for the day while tests are undertaken,

Thrill seekers were trapped on the Smiler ride at Alton Towers today

@SandysBitxh_

One witness tweeted: "People stuck on the #smiler at #AltonTowers waiting to be rescued. Been there 30mins."

Another, Lisa King, wrote: "My cousin is at Alton Towers and just said people are stuck on The Smiler as it's come to stop! Not liking the big drop behind them!"

In last year's horror crash, which was found to be caused by human error, Vicky Balch, 21, lost her right leg.

An Alton Towers spokeswoman said: "On Thursday September 1, Alton Towers Resort stopped The Smiler to investigate claims a piece of debris that 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 standard 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."

This story is being updated.

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Alton Towers Smiler: Terrified thrill-seekers trapped on ride a year after horror crash left five people seriously injured

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