UK theme park admits breaching rollercoaster safety rules.
Alton Towers admits Smiler ride safety breaches
Quote:
The owner of Alton Towers has been told it faces a large fine after admitting responsibility for the Smiler rollercoaster crash.
Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd admitted charges of breaching the Health and Safety Act.
Victims of the crash, including one woman who likened the aftermath to a "horror movie", were in court.
The firm's counsel, Simon Antrobus, said it accepted it could have taken additional safety measures on the day.
Two women had leg amputations after last June's crash.
-
In total, 16 people were hurt when a carriage on the ride crashed into another static car on the track.
District Judge John McGarva, sitting at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, said the incident was a very serious case which led to life-changing injuries.
Mr McGarva warned the firm it "may be ordered to pay a very large fine" when it is sentenced at Stafford Crown Court.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) told the court that while the ride was mechanically safe, there were not systems in place to tell staff when a static ride was on the tracks.
A static train was shown on the computer, the court heard, but a member of staff did not see it and overrode the computer.
Merlin had previously admitted responsibility for the crash after carrying out an internal investigation into the incident.
Queen Thorpe Park would never.
Thorpe Park was/still is under investigation because of the accident too.
