Alton Towers crash victim instructs Penningtons Manches personal injury specialists to pursue claim

Posted: 12/06/2015

One of the passengers injured on the Alton Towers Smiler ride when it was involved in a crash on 2 June has instructed the specialist personal injury team at Penningtons Manches LLP. The accident occurred when two carriages collided while carrying passengers on the ride. Sixteen people subsequently required medical treatment with four suffering serious ‘life-changing’ injuries. One of the passengers has subsequently undergone an amputation as a result of her injuries.

It is currently unclear how the accident occurred as the carriages were fitted with braking locks that should have prevented two carriages being on the same piece of track at the same time. An investigation is currently underway into the cause of the accident and whether human error was a factor.

Philippa Luscombe, partner in the personal injury team, comments: “Our client has not only sustained physical injuries but has also suffered psychological trauma as a result of the crash and its effects.

"Thankfully, theme park accidents of this type are rare but, when they do occur, they tend to be very traumatic and result in serious injury. The Smiler accident has received much publicity and a number of people have suffered serious injuries – and not just physical ones.  

“This accident should not have happened and it is reassuring that Alton Towers is being very proactive with both admitting responsibility and investigating the causes to prevent future such incidents. But for those involved, the incident will have long lasting effects which is why we are being instructed to pursue injury claims for some of those involved.” 

The Penningtons Manches personal injury team anticipates being instructed by other passengers on the ride shortly.

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