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Alton Towers owner faces rollercoaster crash prosecution

Open-access content Thursday 25th February 2016
From the archive:  Just so you know, this article is more than 3 years old.

The Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers

Two female passengers underwent leg amputations after 'Smiler' ride carriages crashed on 2 June. Three others were badly hurt.

The HSE informed Merlin Attractions Operations of its prosecution today. The company will appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme on 22 April to face a charge under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Neil Craig, head of operations for the HSE in the Midlands, said: "We have conducted a very thorough investigation and consider that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to bring a prosecution."

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