Alton Towers boss admits guilt over Smiler rollercoaster crash

Alton Towers operator Merlin is facing a multi-million-pound fine after admitting a breach of health and safety rules over the rollercoaster crash which left five people seriously injured.

Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd had already accepted responsibility after an internal investigation following the incident which left two women needing leg amputations, when their carriage hit another stationary train-car on the track on June 2 last year.

It emerged a manual operator “overrode” the Smiler rollercoaster’s governing computer system, leading to the smash.