Two more rides in Staffordshire’s Alton Towers theme park have been shut down following the tragic incident on The Smiler rollercoaster nine days ago.
Both Air and the Runaway Mine Train were closed only minutes after the park reopened to the general public, after a visitor at the theme park discovered a “large metal clip” underneath Air. 28-year-old Ashley Sandle handed the clip to park staff, which led to the ride being closed down at 10am.
Speaking to ITV News, Ashley said: “We were queuing up for Air to get on as soon as it opened but I saw something under the track.
“I picked it up and it was a big clunky metal clip. I didn’t know what it could be but thought it must be important.
“I found a member of staff and handed it to him and explained where I had found it. His face went deathly white and ran off to his supervisor.
“A few minutes later an announcement came out over the tannoy saying Air was shut because of technical difficulties.
“It re-opened about half-an-hour later but then shut again.
“The Runaway Mine Train is shut too. It’s becoming a bit of a farce. I think Alton Towers should close completely until they check out every ride is safe.”
Leah Washington, who was forced to have her left leg amputated following The Smiler crash.
Alton Towers was previously closed to the general public after the park’s The Smiler rollercoaster crashed, leading to four victims of the incident being transported to hospital. 17-year-old Leah Washington had to have her left leg amputated above above the knee, while her Joe Pugh suffered two broken legs. Vicky Balch is in a serious but stable condition, while Daniel Thorpe is reportedly in a stable condition.
The park reopened only a few days following the crash, with staff offering free tickets to returning customers.
Photo: Getty Images
