First CCTV of Alton Towers Smiler ride crash released

For the first time CCTV footage of the Smiler rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers has been released, following sentencing due to take place against the owners of the ride.

The crash which happened in June last year, left two teenagers needing leg amputations and several other passengers seriously injured. Merlin, the operator of the theme park, have been told to expect “a very large fine” following a two-day hearing taking place into health and safety breaches.

The video shows the moment the safety carriage was released and then came to standstill on the track.

Those who were injured were all sat on the front row of the ride, which had already experienced a fault that day.

Vicky Balch, then 19, and Leah Washington, then 17, each lost a leg in the crash and several other people who were trapped for hours.

The court were told the victims of the crash were held at a "very difficult angle" around 20ft (6m) above ground waiting for medical attention.

The Prosecutor told Stafford Crown Court that while the mistakes which led to the crash were made by individuals, the ultimate responsibility lies with their employers.

The potential fine could be between £3,000 and £10 million, but could be increased even higher should the operator be found to be a "large organisation."

Read more: Smiler crash 'equivalent of family car crashing at 90mph