Smiler rollercoaster: Passengers stuck as Alton Towers ride breaks down months after reopening following crash

Ride evacuated following claims debris had fallen from carriage

The Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers has broken down, trapping passengers in the air just months after it reopened following a crash.

Footage showed more than a dozen riders stuck on the ride, with their carriages stationary on the track.

The people were reportedly stuck on the ride for over an hour.

An Alton Towers spokesperson told the Independent the ride has now been evacuated, but that it hopes to be operational again later today.

They said: “On Thursday 1st September, Alton Towers Resort stopped The Smiler to investigate claims a piece of debris had fallen from a carriage.

“At no time were guests on the ride at any risk and all were safely removed from the ride promptly by staff in line with our comprehensive safety procedures.

“As the health and safety of our guests is our priority, the ride will remain closed whilst the resort’s technical team investigate the matter.”

The rollercoaster reopened in March this year following a safety investigation sparked by a crash that caused two riders to have part of their legs amputated.

Vicky Balch and Leah Washington were among several people left with serious injuries after their carriage crashed with another that was stationary on the track.