Alton Towers Operator Merlin Fined £5M Over Smiler Crash

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-37481825

What I find amazing about this is that there still people queuing up to ride on this thing !

[ummmm]

It's still rare to crash. Just like cars!

[mikey4444]

Ummm....I have never been to Alton Towers, and probably never shall, but as I understand it, the "Smiler" isn't the only ride there. So why would anybody pay to ride on this thing, after all the bad publicity that it has garnered ?

[mushroom25]

the problem was not with the technology, rather the company's lack of procedures to cover out-of-course working. the judge acknowledged the company has now corrected the failings that allowed the accident to happen, including following the makers instructions concerning windspeed. if the ride is operating when you visit the park, it's perfectly safe.

[Mamyalynne]

I guess you could ask why people still board planes after they've seen a crash reported recently.

Accidents happen to other people is the general turn of thought.

[ummmm]

Mikey...I've been numerous times and absolutely love it. Not just Alton Towers. After the smiler incident I decided my roller coaster days were over. Put me in the middle of a theme park though and I'd probably turn back into a child, get over excited, and go on everything...

[hereIam]

You wouldn't get me on it !

[Baldric]

I suspect it's the safest ride there atm given the publicity it's had.

[hereIam]

Still wouldn't get me on it (lol).

[Barmaid]

I agree divebuddy.

Although which idiot called it the Smiler, I have no idea. I only suffered it for the sake of my stepson. I certainly wasnt smiling afterwards, that is a fact.

[murraymints]

never in a zillion years would I get on anything remotely like it !!!

[yogi-bear]

Been on The Smiler not !ong before incident....since accident, would never go on it again, even though love riding Rollercoasters and did many in Florida last year, in Orlando and Tampa.

[gulliver1]

What bank account is the £5m paid into, what is the name of the account holder, I

[yogi-bear]

Yuck, divebuddy.....poor you

I once was watching my children on Rameses Revenge at Chessington World Of Adventures......whilst upside down and swinging towards crowd same thing happened.....just missed us luckily enough

[mikey4444]

Divebuddy...considering the HSE had Merlin banged to rights its not surprising that they haven't the slightest attempt to weasel out of their responsibilities.

I have just heard the news and it seems that the share price for the company has now risen !

[Baldric]

They must be doing something right then.

[Mamyalynne]

gulliver, someone asked last night where the fines go.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Business-and-Finance/Business/Question1515251.html

[RATTER15]

I would still let my kids ride on it, nothing more dangerous than crossing the road if you ask me!