Alton Towers Owner Fined £5m For Health And Safety Breaches

Alton Towers owner Merlin has been fined £5 million for health and safety breaches.

A judge sentencing the theme park's operator, Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, said the Smiler crash was "avoidable."

Sixteen people were injured last June, including Vicky Balch, then 19, and Leah Washington, then 17, who were both forced to undergo leg amputations.

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Sentencing Judge Michael Chambers QC described the crash as a "catastrophic failure."

Video Credit: SWNS

"This was a needless and avoidable accident in which those who were injured were lucky not to be killed," said the judge.

He also said human error was not the cause of the accident, as was suggested at first.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Crash, Alton Towers

Sian Broderick

Sian is the Junior Editor of Tyla. She loves crap telly, anything leopard print, and never leaves the house without her gold hoops.

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