This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-33002283

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Alton Towers Smiler crash: Park 'shut until probe over' Alton Towers Smiler crash: Park 'shut until probe over'
(about 4 hours later)
Alton Towers will remain closed until the cause of a rollercoaster crash that left 16 people injured is discovered, the theme park's boss has said.Alton Towers will remain closed until the cause of a rollercoaster crash that left 16 people injured is discovered, the theme park's boss has said.
The Staffordshire attraction's gates are shut for a second day while the Health and Safety Executive investigates Tuesday's crash.The Staffordshire attraction's gates are shut for a second day while the Health and Safety Executive investigates Tuesday's crash.
Nick Varney, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, which runs the park, said it could only reopen when the investigation had concluded.Nick Varney, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, which runs the park, said it could only reopen when the investigation had concluded.
However, he did not give a time-frame.However, he did not give a time-frame.
Two carriages collided at the park's £18m ride The Smiler at about 14:00 BST on Tuesday.Two carriages collided at the park's £18m ride The Smiler at about 14:00 BST on Tuesday.
The accident left people trapped 25ft (7.6m up) at an angle of 45 degrees for up to four-and-a-half hours.The accident left people trapped 25ft (7.6m up) at an angle of 45 degrees for up to four-and-a-half hours.
Writing in the Sun, Mr Varney said: "At this point I don't know if it was a technological or a human error.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.""We want to know if this issue is isolated to The Smiler. We can't open again until we're sure."
A total of 16 people were hurt, including Joe Pugh, 18, and his girlfriend Leah Washington, 17, both of Barnsley.A total of 16 people were hurt, including Joe Pugh, 18, and his girlfriend Leah Washington, 17, both of Barnsley.
They suffered serious injuries, along with a man aged 27 and a woman aged 19.They suffered serious injuries, along with a man aged 27 and a woman aged 19.
All four were airlifted to major trauma centres across the West Midlands.All four were airlifted to major trauma centres across the West Midlands.
Among those on board was Vanisha Singh, who was in the second row of the carriage with her mother Chanda, 49, and her sister Meera, 26.Among those on board was Vanisha Singh, who was in the second row of the carriage with her mother Chanda, 49, and her sister Meera, 26.
'It was terrifying''It was terrifying'
She told the Sun there had been "technical difficulties" moments before they embarked on the fateful ride, as several test cars were sent ahead of them.She told the Sun there had been "technical difficulties" moments before they embarked on the fateful ride, as several test cars were sent ahead of them.
"We finally went up and were kept at the top for 10 or 15 minutes chatting, joking that we were the guinea pigs," the 29-year-old said."We finally went up and were kept at the top for 10 or 15 minutes chatting, joking that we were the guinea pigs," the 29-year-old said.
Describing the crash, she added: "The metal safety bar smashed into our legs. There was loads of screaming. I felt a burning sensation in my pelvis, and back and neck pain.Describing the crash, she added: "The metal safety bar smashed into our legs. There was loads of screaming. I felt a burning sensation in my pelvis, and back and neck pain.
"It was terrifying. There was blood all over the floor because it was pouring out of their legs in the carriage and dropping down. The doctors and firemen were covered in blood as they scaled the scaffolding to treat the guys on the front row.""It was terrifying. There was blood all over the floor because it was pouring out of their legs in the carriage and dropping down. The doctors and firemen were covered in blood as they scaled the scaffolding to treat the guys on the front row."
Ms Singh, who was sitting behind Mr Pugh, a textile design student at the University of Huddersfield, said Miss Washington had to be given a blood transfusion and morphine before she passed out following the collision.Ms Singh, who was sitting behind Mr Pugh, a textile design student at the University of Huddersfield, said Miss Washington had to be given a blood transfusion and morphine before she passed out following the collision.
Witnesses described scenes of horror after the collision, with one victim's face covered in blood and others screaming in terror.Witnesses described scenes of horror after the collision, with one victim's face covered in blood and others screaming in terror.
Jack Carver, 33, told reporters: "It was like a horror movie, hearing those screams.Jack Carver, 33, told reporters: "It was like a horror movie, hearing those screams.
"There was pure terror in their voices. It reminded me of Final Destination where the rollercoaster comes off the tracks. It was really scary.""There was pure terror in their voices. It reminded me of Final Destination where the rollercoaster comes off the tracks. It was really scary."
The rollercoaster, which boasts a world record 14 loops, has been closed twice because of safety concerns since opening two years ago.The rollercoaster, which boasts a world record 14 loops, has been closed twice because of safety concerns since opening two years ago.
An Alton Towers spokesman said: "The decision has been taken that Alton Towers theme park will remain closed on Thursday following the incident on The Smiler.An Alton Towers spokesman said: "The decision has been taken that Alton Towers theme park will remain closed on Thursday following the incident on The Smiler.
"Guests with pre-booked tickets and those arriving at the theme park will have the choice of a full refund or an alternative dated ticket."Guests with pre-booked tickets and those arriving at the theme park will have the choice of a full refund or an alternative dated ticket.
"Guests with pre-booked tickets have the option to use their tickets tomorrow at an alternative attraction. See website for more info.""Guests with pre-booked tickets have the option to use their tickets tomorrow at an alternative attraction. See website for more info."
Were you at Alton Towers on Tuesday? Do you know anyone affected by the accident? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC please email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.