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Incident on The Smiler 02/06/2015
Tarquin
TS Member
http://www.itv.com/news/central/upd...rs-crash-victim-joe-pugh-has-two-broken-legs/
I'm not sure what you're basing that on but I'm pretty certain they wouldn't discharge a patient with severe polytrauma and a patient in a serious condition that quickly (article dated 8/6). Certainly not when the news is watching them so closely and ready to pounce on any mistake. There's also the lady in the second row who has been readmitted with internal bleeding. I hope they recover as soon and as well as possible but I don't think we're over the worse of it yet if I'm honest.
Danza91
TS Member
The BBC article states that all the front row passengers remain in hospital, as well as the 5th with internal injuries. These are very serious injuries and I would be surprised if anyone is released soon. It's not just the injuries to cope with, it's the psychological affect, and the pouncing press.
Tarquin
TS Member
My personal opinion is that the family/families demanding compensation aren't due the criticism that they have received on here. They are in a situation that no one would be mentally prepared for with some really terrible injuries sustained by their loved ones. The feelings of anger, disbelief and lack of control of the situation must be overwhelming. These feelings need to be directed somewhere and the most obvious target is obviously Merlin (especially as they've taken full responsibility for the incident). Demanding compensation could be seen as the only way to 'hurt' Merlin in the same way that Merlin has hurt their family. It could also provide a sense of control, seeing as a lot of their loved one's care will be out if their control and in the hands of the medics. I would also say it's incredibly insensitive to the family/families involved that just because they're demanding that Merlin pay, it means their main focus isn't their loved one getting better. These are not two mutually exclusive things. These families are already having a terrible time, I don't think we should add to it by saying they're going 'Kerching' at their injuries.
jon81uk
TS Member
The fifth person that Benzin, mentioned is the lady in the second row who you said has been re-admitted with internal bleeding. Therefore they obviously did discharge a patient and then re-admit them.
LiamC
TS Member
From TowersStreet in Facebook:
It appears to be testing...
I think this will just for part of the ongoing investigation, but still good news. I didn't really expect them to be sending any cars around it this quickly at all!
micksalt
TS Member
I thought the lady on the second row was the one that took a taxi home, and only later realised that she was more seriously injured than she thought and checked herself into hospital and found to have internal bleeding, including clots on her liver. It happens, I know someone who was involved in a motorcycle accident where his friend was very seriously injured. Went with him to the hospital, them came home, took his leathers off and found a testicle hanging on by a thread. Back to the hospital it was then.
Tarquin
TS Member
Yeah, I'm not doubting that one (I said myself that she'd been readmitted) - it's the people in the front row that there's been no news regarding their discharge that I was querying. Benzin said he believed that they'd all been released from hospital except Leah and I wasn't sure where he'd heard that from as everything I've heard has been the opposite of that.
That's interesting that they're testing the Smiler again. I note they've put dummies into most of the seats this time.
EDIT: So she might not even have been admitted at all! Shows how much conflicting information is being thrown around at the moment...
EuroSatch
TS Member
Apart from the guy in The Mirror - who wasn't any of the most severely injured passengers - I think they families have been quite responsible in the reactions. At the end of the day, Merlin have not shied away from any discussion of compensation, and have also acknowledged that money cannot undo the unfortunate incident. It's the media who are trying to get all the meat out of this story, and to be honest I think it's about time they moved on.
When accidents have happened in other parks, it's been a brief news bulletin on the day and that following, and then that's it. I don't understand why this has continued as much as it has just because they are the largest theme park in the UK
When accidents have happened in other parks, it's been a brief news bulletin on the day and that following, and then that's it. I don't understand why this has continued as much as it has just because they are the largest theme park in the UK
EmilyJEG
TS Member
I was thinking pretty much the same regarding the possible reasons for pursuing it so soon.
I found it interesting that the Press Association info that Kelpie posted the other day said:
"Victoria Balch, who turned 20 yesterday, is not in a life-threatening condition, as previously thought, law firm Stewarts said in a statement."
I'm not sure if it was misinterpreted that she was in a life-threatening condition because "as previously thought" suggests that it wasn't actually the case.
Either way, they are obviously all very seriously injured but serious is better than 'life-threatening' or critical.
Slugjc
TS Member
nobody is saying dont deserve compo. But to come out that early in my opinion, is bad for image. People will see them as money grabbing. They will get compo, they will get to hurt merlin. Let it come after loved ones have got over the worse. Whats the rush.
BarryZola
TS Member
I think it's a combination of 2 things. Firstly, Alton Towers truly is a British institution and is very well known to everyone who resides here and most people will have visited at some point. It is also the theme park in Britain which is most famous worldwide. Secondly, any news is increasingly sent further and more quickly than ever before via social media etc more recently.
Rob
TS Team
I will start by making no apologies for the tone this post is going to take.
Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable.
Who do you think you are? You have an ANNUAL pass. Guess what that means? Yes that's right, it allows you access for a whole 12 months. If you cannot live without ERT for one visit, or Oblivion, after what has happened then my god. You will get called insensitive because you are insensitive.
As it happens ERT has returned today. Spinball will open as soon as they are able to introduce the extra level of safety. Oblivion and Enterprise will open once the HSE are largely offsite and it is appropriate to allow guests back in the area; Towers say this will be soon. The Smiler will remain closed for the forseeable future. But you are not happy with this? You feel that you should be allowed into areas where the investigation is ongoing, or if not deserve an extension to your pass? Please. People like you give enthusiasts a bad name and I hope Towers give you nothing.
A very serious incident has happened at Alton Towers. People are seriously injured and one poor girl has lost her leg. Yet you want compensation for it? This has really not impacted on your life at all. Why should Towers have to give you things just because you have an annual pass? I also have an annual pass, I am going on Sunday, if certain rides remain closed then I do not expect or want anything at all. It is a totally understandable situation. Believe it or not the safety of their guests in their number one priority, not that all MAP holders get to go on every ride all the time regardless of anything.
Yes you have spent good money on it. But that good money allows you to go at other times when all rides are open. And yes you have seen people on here queueing at guest services about rides being closed, but for extremely different reasons.
Towers have given out free tickets to guests visiting the park this week. In my opinion this is going beyond what is expected in terms of customer service. All T&Cs state that all rides are subject to availability etc. so they could easily have just done nothing. But they are showing this goodwill. You have an annual pass so there is your free return ticket for any day you want.
------------------
Right, sorry to everyone else for that but I was angered and needed a rant!
In terms of The Smiler testing this morning, that will be part of the HSE investigation I think. They probably want to get an understanding of how the ride works and is operated as well as test out current safety mechanisms. It will also allow them to make their own predictions of imact speed etc. Got to admit it is a little strange seeing it testing.
And then in terms of the new operational procedures. I understand why Merlin have introduced them and they won't cause much of a problem on quiet days like they are having this week. But if these are permanent measures going forward they are going to cause real problems for the park. Rides such as Thirteen and Air be impacted badly. It remains to be seen how the changes could affect Oblivion and Spinball. I hope it is temporary whilst they carry on investigation and think it probably is. There's no reason why only Merlin should have to operate their coasters differently when thousands around the world operate safely and 'normally'. As a temporary measure though it is sensible.
Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable.
Who do you think you are? You have an ANNUAL pass. Guess what that means? Yes that's right, it allows you access for a whole 12 months. If you cannot live without ERT for one visit, or Oblivion, after what has happened then my god. You will get called insensitive because you are insensitive.
As it happens ERT has returned today. Spinball will open as soon as they are able to introduce the extra level of safety. Oblivion and Enterprise will open once the HSE are largely offsite and it is appropriate to allow guests back in the area; Towers say this will be soon. The Smiler will remain closed for the forseeable future. But you are not happy with this? You feel that you should be allowed into areas where the investigation is ongoing, or if not deserve an extension to your pass? Please. People like you give enthusiasts a bad name and I hope Towers give you nothing.
A very serious incident has happened at Alton Towers. People are seriously injured and one poor girl has lost her leg. Yet you want compensation for it? This has really not impacted on your life at all. Why should Towers have to give you things just because you have an annual pass? I also have an annual pass, I am going on Sunday, if certain rides remain closed then I do not expect or want anything at all. It is a totally understandable situation. Believe it or not the safety of their guests in their number one priority, not that all MAP holders get to go on every ride all the time regardless of anything.
Yes you have spent good money on it. But that good money allows you to go at other times when all rides are open. And yes you have seen people on here queueing at guest services about rides being closed, but for extremely different reasons.
Towers have given out free tickets to guests visiting the park this week. In my opinion this is going beyond what is expected in terms of customer service. All T&Cs state that all rides are subject to availability etc. so they could easily have just done nothing. But they are showing this goodwill. You have an annual pass so there is your free return ticket for any day you want.
------------------
Right, sorry to everyone else for that but I was angered and needed a rant!
In terms of The Smiler testing this morning, that will be part of the HSE investigation I think. They probably want to get an understanding of how the ride works and is operated as well as test out current safety mechanisms. It will also allow them to make their own predictions of imact speed etc. Got to admit it is a little strange seeing it testing.
And then in terms of the new operational procedures. I understand why Merlin have introduced them and they won't cause much of a problem on quiet days like they are having this week. But if these are permanent measures going forward they are going to cause real problems for the park. Rides such as Thirteen and Air be impacted badly. It remains to be seen how the changes could affect Oblivion and Spinball. I hope it is temporary whilst they carry on investigation and think it probably is. There's no reason why only Merlin should have to operate their coasters differently when thousands around the world operate safely and 'normally'. As a temporary measure though it is sensible.
Tarquin
TS Member
Just to clarify, I never accused anyone of saying that they don't deserve compensation. I'd imagine the families are not overly thinking about their public image, instead I imagine they'll be supporting their loved ones and dealing with this anger, distress and lack of control that I discussed previously. For some, this resulted in lashing out at Merlin in the only way they knew how but I'm just repeating myself now so I'll stop. If people want to then judge a family whose son/daughter has been severely injured as 'money grabbing' that's up to them.
I think as well, there's so many unanswered questions for the press to follow up that the 'well' of the story hasn't run dry yet. Like what are the injuries of the other passengers, what caused the crash, what are Alton Towers going to do next? Doesn't make it right that they continue with the story in the way they have been though.
EmilyJEG
TS Member
I think you're being a bit OTT. I personally wouldn't have complained - and I am one to complain about trivial things (not at AT) - but it would seem a bit insensitive given what's happened.I will start by making no apologies for the tone this post is going to take.
Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable.
Who do you think you are? You have an ANNUAL pass. Guess what that means? Yes that's right, it allows you access for a whole 12 months. If you cannot live without ERT for one visit, or Oblivion, after what has happened then my god. You will get called insensitive because you are insensitive.
As it happens ERT has returned today. Spinball will open as soon as they are able to introduce the extra level of safety. Oblivion and Enterprise will open once the HSE are largely offsite and it is appropriate to allow guests back in the area; Towers say this will be soon. The Smiler will remain closed for the forseeable future. But you are not happy with this? You feel that you should be allowed into areas where the investigation is ongoing, or if not deserve an extension to your pass? Please. People like you give enthusiasts a bad name and I hope Towers give you nothing.
A very serious incident has happened at Alton Towers. People are seriously injured and one poor girl has lost her leg. Yet you want compensation for it? This has really not impacted on your life at all. Why should Towers have to give you things just because you have an annual pass? I also have an annual pass, I am going on Sunday, if certain rides remain closed then I do not expect or want anything at all. It is a totally understandable situation. Believe it or not the safety of their guests in their number one priority, not that all MAP holders get to go on every ride all the time regardless of anything.
Yes you have spent good money on it. But that good money allows you to go at other times when all rides are open. And yes you have seen people on here queueing at guest services about rides being closed, but for extremely different reasons.
Towers have given out free tickets to guests visiting the park this week. In my opinion this is going beyond what is expected in terms of customer service. All T&Cs state that all rides are subject to availability etc. so they could easily have just done nothing. But they are showing this goodwill. You have an annual pass so there is your free return ticket for any day you want.
------------------
Right, sorry to everyone else for that but I was angered and needed a rant!
In terms of The Smiler testing this morning, that will be part of the HSE investigation I think. They probably want to get an understanding of how the ride works and is operated as well as test out current safety mechanisms. It will also allow them to make their own predictions of imact speed etc. Got to admit it is a little strange seeing it testing.
And then in terms of the new operational procedures. I understand why Merlin have introduced them and they won't cause much of a problem on quiet days like they are having this week. But if these are permanent measures going forward they are going to cause real problems for the park. Rides such as Thirteen and Air be impacted badly. It remains to be seen how the changes could affect Oblivion and Spinball. I hope it is temporary whilst they carry on investigation and think it probably is. There's no reason why only Merlin should have to operate their coasters differently when thousands around the world operate safely and 'normally'. As a temporary measure though it is sensible.
However, I can understand why some people might find it irritating that people who may have paid next to nothing for their tickets are getting free return tickets, whilst pass holders aren't getting anything for the (minor) inconvenience.
Ted
TS Member
As an annual pass holder, I feel like I shouldn't recieve anything as a compensation from Towers if I was planning to visit in the past week. I can visit another time easily unlike most other people. Although, considering I travel for about 4 hours, then I would be annoyed about wasting money on my train tickets, so I understand if anyone else feels like that, but it's hardly something Towers can compisate you for.
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jon81uk
TS Member
I initially thought thats why @Balb0wa was complaining about and I suggested they visit guest services on the day and ask what could be done, I agree if regular guests are getting free return tickets maybe a passholder shoudl get something. But @Balb0wa hasn't visited the park this week, they complained that the park was shut last Wednesday, the day after the accident and it ruined their plans! In my opinion that is not a valid complaint, if you have an AP then go to another park or wait a week and got to AT, the park being closed for five days doesn't mean they hate the annual passholders!
BarryZola
TS Member
Towers have given out free tickets to guests visiting the park this week. In my opinion this is going beyond what is expected in terms of customer service. All T&Cs state that all rides are subject to availability etc. so they could easily have just done nothing. But they are showing this goodwill. You have an annual pass so there is your free return ticket for any day you want.
Out of interest Rob. As these rides are subject to availability, are you happy that 'The Sun Free Ticket' holders got an advantage of free tickets over loyal annual pass holders on these days? How do the people at the gate know whether free ticket holders or annual pass holders have had to make a real effort to get to the park? Why just flash tickets out to one party and not the other without asking questions? Probably to save hassle at the box office maybe?