'Human error' caused Alton Towers rollercoaster crash

Human error caused the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash in June that seriously injured five people, the Staffordshire theme park said.

Two women - Victoria Balch and Leah Washington - needed leg amputations after the Smiler ride hit an empty carriage in front of it on 2 June.

Staff misunderstood a shutdown message and wrongly restarted the ride, an investigation by the park confirmed.

No technical or mechanical issues were found with the ride itself.

Sian Lloyd reports.

  • UK