26th Feb 2016 11:32
LONDON (Alliance News) - Merlin Entertainments PLC will be prosecuted for breaching health and safety law over the rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers last June.
The accident left 16 people injured and five seriously, two of which had to have legs amputated due to the severity of their injuries, when two carriages on the 'Smiler' ride collided on June 2.
The Health and Safety Executive, which investigated the incident, on Thursday said it will take Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd to court.
Merlin Attractions Operations is the company responsible for Alton Towers and under health and safety law is responsible for managing the risks created by the operation of the theme park's rides.
It also operates some of Merlin Entertainments' other attractions including Thorpe Park, The London Eye and Chessington World of Adventures.
"This was a serious incident with life-changing consequences for five people. We have conducted a very thorough investigation and consider that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to bring a prosecution," Head of Operations for HSE in the Midlands Neil Craig said in a statement.
Shares in Merlin were trading down 1.3% at 447.60 pence on Friday morning.
By Karolina Kaminska; [email protected] @KarolinaAllNews
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