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Incident on The Smiler 02/06/2015

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Even if it does open (which I can't see happening this season), it'll be down two trains for a long time.
 
Although we probably will never know the full details, the problem is going to be in the computer system / sensor / lift hill areas, the cars will most likely be covered tonight and inspected tomorrow, then eliminated from the investigation pretty quickly, they could be off the track by the end of tomorrow. Once this is done, tests on the faulty equipment can be carried out, we could see trains running in the next few weeks. But it is unlikely it will be open again this season. And when it does open, it will take a long time for it to get the public trust again.
 
BBC are apparently reporting that some of the injured have suffered "life changing" injuries. :(
 
I doubt they will use it on any marketing for a good while. Thinking about Hydro (Drenched) and what happened with that, it still hasn't fully recovered IMO. It might be best just to leave it settle down by itself, they've had a good Two years heavy marketing out of it which is more than most rides get at the park.
 
Rob said:
BBC are apparently reporting that some of the injured have suffered "life changing" injuries. :(
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If so, that's really really sad :( Based on the pictures and what's been said that could mean paralysis or loss of limbs... about as serious as it can get without fatalities. :(
 
I've heard there is a threat of loss of limbs due to the crush injuries, the amount of time due to the complexity of the rescue won't have helped either.
 
Will Saw have to close to be checked like Stealth was when Rita had a cable problem (I do know the rides are different type)?
 
DiogoJ42 said:
Even if it does open (which I can't see happening this season), it'll be down two trains for a long time.
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They could have up to 4 available if they can make a complete train out of the two that crashed, otherwise 3.
 
spinba11 said:
Will Saw have to close to be checked like Stealth was when Rita had a cable problem (I do know the rides are different type)?
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Unlikely, doesn't saw only have one lift hill? The Smiler is different with two lift hills, they can control more cars at one given time.
 
Scott said:
If so, that's really really sad :( Based on the pictures and what's been said that could mean paralysis or loss of limbs... about as serious as it can get without fatalities. :(
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That was a term I was hoping not to hear for those exact reasons of what it means. :(

I know full well, from recent personal experience, that some such serious limb threatening crush injuries can be 'fixable' - but that's extreme luck, and talents of the absolute best specialist doctors and surgeons.
 
Varney did very well on Sky News. He genuinely seemed very upset at what had happened and was very frank and to the point about what he did and did not know. Can't be easy going on live television to talk about something like that.
 
Regardless what you think of him, Varney handled that interview very well and he seems to be in as much shock as we are by what happened today. He did say it was his decision not to open tomorrow and I respect him and Towers for doing it (as I've mentioned already)

Danny said:
The home page of the Alton Towers website has been updated, with the removal of the Mother Hen font which means the statement can now be taken seriously.
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Good to hear. I know the font is a minor issue and the last Towers have on their mind, but I'm glad they've changed it now.

On the whole, I think Towers have handled this very well.
 
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