text.skipToContent text.skipToNavigation
  1. Home
  2. Personal Protection Equipment Industry News
  3. HSE prosecutes owners of Alton Towers

The Health and Safety Executive recently informed Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, the owner of Alton Towers, that it will face prosecution following a well-publicised incident that took place on June 2, 2015.

Five people sustained serious injuries following an incident on 'The Smiler', a roller coaster ride at the Staffordshire theme park, following a collision with a stationery carriage on the tracks, resulting in three people having serious injuries and two females having legs amputated.

 

The hearing will take place at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, in April this year. The company will be charged for breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The head of HSE's operations in the Midlands, Neil Craig, spoke of the life-changing effects the incident had had on those involved. He added that, following an in-depth investigation, the HSE has decided that there is enough evidence and public interest for a prosecution to be necessary.

Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd is responsible for ensuring that risks presented by the operation of rides at the theme park are managed. A spokesperson for Merlin said that they had cooperated in full with the investigation and continued to support the injured people.

On the day of the incident, victims Joe Pugh and Leah Washington were on their first date. The pair recently donated almost £7,000 to nurses who helped their recovery progress after the incident.


All companies have to manage risks to prevent accidents and injury, which often includes the use of special workwear or PPE.

News Archive

February 2024 (0)
January 2024 (0)
December 2023 (0)
November 2023 (0)
October 2023 (0)
September 2023 (0)
August 2023 (0)
July 2023 (0)
June 2023 (0)
May 2023 (0)
April 2023 (0)
March 2023 (0)
Show All