Alton Towers to reopen for first time since horror Smiler rollercoaster smash
ALTON TOWERS is set to reopen tomorrow for the first time since the horror rollercoaster crash, which left 16 people injured.
Alton Towers will reopen tomorrow at 10am
The park's owners said it will open its gates from 10am on Monday - six days after two carriages collided on the Smiler ride.
Nick Varney, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments Ltd, said the decision had been made after " a thorough review" of operating and safety procedures.
Health and Safety Executive inspectors have also been on site since the smash on Tuesday last week.
Vicky Balch and Daniel Thorpe were revealed as among the injured
We are aware of the impact it will have on those involved and we are doing all we can to provide out support to those injured and their families
Mr Thorpe, a hotel worker from Leyland in Lancashire, is believed to have been dating dancer Miss Balch, from Buxton in Derbyshire.
The pair are among four in serious conditions as a result of the major theme park accident.
Joe Pugh, 18, and his girlfriend Leah Washington, both from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, were also seriously hurt in the crash.
The latest updates of those injured comes as questions are being asked of park bosses after it was revealed it took 11 minutes for emergency services to be called.
Overall, 16 people were injured when the carriages slammed into another stationery cart at 52mph.
Joe Pugh and Leah Washington were the first two reported to be victims of the crash
Mr Varney described it as a "terrible event for everyone involved".
He added: "We are aware of the impact it will have on those involved and we are doing all we can to provide out support to those injured and their families."