Wheels fly off Alton Towers ride

A man who says he was a passenger on the Smiler when some of the wheels flew off has told ITV News Central of his "absolute fear".

Kevin Hayes-Heath told ITV News Central that he was in the front row of the carriage and was "bombarded by the fibre bearings which were splitting and breaking up at the highest point of the ride".

An Alton Towers spokesperson has apologised for the ride closure and says an investigation into the incident is ongoing. They say "all of the rides and attractions are expected to meet extremely high standards, technologically, mechanically and in terms of the end experience".

The Smiler ride was closed yesterday afternoon when some of its small plastic guide wheels became detached. Most were caught in the netting below the train but several hit passengers on the front row of the train.

Two were treated by park staff and all four people stayed at the park for the rest of the afternoon.

The park says:

Click here to read about previous faults with the ride.

The Smiler ride at Alton Towers is closed after some of its wheels came off yesterday afternoon.

Several people at the front of the train were hit by the wheels.

The park says a full investigation is now going on to work out when the ride can reopen.