Alton Towers closed during rollercoaster accident probe

Alton Towers amusement park has been closed while an investigation continues into a “dreadful” accident on a rollercoaster which left four people with serious injuries.

The accident happened at around 2pm yesterday on the Staffordshire resort’s 50mph Smiler ride when two carriages crashed on a low section of the track, leaving some passengers trapped for four-and-a-half hours.