FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Re opening the Smiler ride at Alton Towers is wrong..
Re opening the Smiler ride at Alton Towers is wrong..
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Thats what the girl who lost a leg said.
My opinion is this.. Its certainly a very unfortunate event there was that accident. Believe Alton Towers investigated and it was human error. Independently they have had the ride rigorously tested and its fine. I think the young lady has it wrong when she expresses she wants it brought down. The ride is safe, thousands enjoyed it before her, and thousands will after her.
Others expresses Alton Towers treated all injured parties amazingly well and with great respect.
Do you think it should be allowed to open or destroyed? |
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Def should be opened again.
Otherwise what are you going to do? Close every road anyone was ever injured on?
Scrap every bus that was ever involved in accident where someone was hurt?
Close every swimming pool anyone ever drowned in?
Far to much sentimental value attached to inanimate objects, places and machinery. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Re-open it.... The accident was unfortunate but has been stated it was human error, this is the chance we all take when boarding rides. Don't get me wrong it was very very sad what happened and my heart is with them all as it was so life changing! But I believe it should be opened again but give all staff on every ride the correct training when dealing with such things. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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even though its only 2 posters .. im so relieved i wasnt the only one with that view point. Was doubting myself that im a proper heartless bitch lol
phew  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I agree i dont think it should re open, what happened that day was horrible and life changing for the crash victims  i used to love alton towers but wont step foot there again |
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It's just a piece of equipment. If you cut yourself with a knife or bang your thumb with a hammer,?would you throw the tool away.
Assuming there isn't a safety issue with the ride what purpose does scrapping it serve. It doesn't know it's being "punished" |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Best rollercoaster I've ever been on! Keep it open!
First accident like it in 30 years
Millions still drive and there's far more accidents on the road than at w theme park
Thousands more have been killed in a plane accident, yet people still go on them.
So one accident like this in the UK, yeah I'm thinking I'll go on it again |
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Don't forget the person might be still affected by what happened that day, she probably doesn't want anything like that to happen again.
What is to say human error won't be the next accident on the ride. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I must admit Im very surprised its re-opening. from a PR standpoint Id have thought it was toxic. However HSE did conclude human error so perhaps there is an argument. |
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By *olgateMan
over a year ago
on the road to nowhere in particular |
For every person who will be too scared to ride there will be someone else that wants to ride the scariest roller coaster on the planet. In six months time the accident will be forgotten again |
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If I was that young woman I would want it scrapped its a perfectly natural reaction to what must have been the very stuff of nightmares for her the poor thing.
That doesn't mean it should be scrapped of course but lots of people are campaigning for children of all ages to have the meningitis vaccination after the heart breaking photos of that two year old, that's similar on my view and also a decision based on finance. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As others have stated, I'm surprised it's reopening just because of the negative publicity surrounding it.
But that aside I don't see any reason at it shouldn't be reopened. It's a machine that wasn't operated correctly and caused an accidenr
There have been machinery accidents before caused by human error and there will be again, rightly or wrongly it's just the way it is. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I think it should be re opened! It was human error that caused it in the first place rather than mechanical.
Human error causes accidents most days like in cars but that doesn't stop us driving.
1 tragic accident shouldn't determine the future for everyone, if people choose to go in that ride it's their choice they have all the facts. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Opened, been on it a few times, it's brilliant, nemesis is still my favourite there though, and yes, more procedures have been added so the same accident can't happen again.
I'm planning to go this may  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Def should be opened again.
Otherwise what are you going to do? Close every road anyone was ever injured on?
Scrap every bus that was ever involved in accident where someone was hurt?
Close every swimming pool anyone ever drowned in?
Far to much sentimental value attached to inanimate objects, places and machinery. "
Open it again. But there better be some hefty safety procedures in place.
The staff didn't seem too traumatised (because of the accident) the last time I went. They were still chit chatting to each other when they were doing the safety checks before the rides set off. As in not paying 100% attention.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"To be honest I'm surprised they've not scrapped it as a commercial decision, people will be hesitant to use it and their will be negative PR around it"
I'd think it will be even more popular, for morbid reasons. |
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"Thats what the girl who lost a leg said.
My opinion is this.. Its certainly a very unfortunate event there was that accident. Believe Alton Towers investigated and it was human error. Independently they have had the ride rigorously tested and its fine. I think the young lady has it wrong when she expresses she wants it brought down. The ride is safe, thousands enjoyed it before her, and thousands will after her.
Others expresses Alton Towers treated all injured parties amazingly well and with great respect.
Do you think it should be allowed to open or destroyed? "
 . Re open provided it has passed all relevant safety checks and we have learnt from past mistakes . |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"To be honest I'm surprised they've not scrapped it as a commercial decision, people will be hesitant to use it and their will be negative PR around it"
This is what I was thinking! I wouldn't go on it but im a bit weird like that.. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"To be honest I'm surprised they've not scrapped it as a commercial decision, people will be hesitant to use it and their will be negative PR around it
I thought this too. Best to build something new. Not sentimental but I think the pr is bad xx"
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Of course not! Shit happens, I am sorry for those hurt in Alton Towers but if we stop doing things because one or 2 people get hurt then where do we draw the line?
Thousands of people get killed and maimed on our roads every year. Shall we close every road where someone gets hurt because of careless driving? Of course not! |
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In fairness to the girl she did say she realises it was always going to happen, I think all the victims do.
I'd feel exactly the same if I was one of them it must have been a dreadfully traumatic experience. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The accident happened in Alton towers why not close the place down full stop? There may be an accident there again! Why we're at it all fast thrill rides should close too you never know when someone might have a hart attack.
Seriously tif the HSE said its ok then the ride is ok… anybody recall the young lad who lost his ear at Thorpe park? Well that ride is still open and nobody has ever lost a ear since. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"It's just a piece of equipment. If you cut yourself with a knife or bang your thumb with a hammer,?would you throw the tool away.
Assuming there isn't a safety issue with the ride what purpose does scrapping it serve. It doesn't know it's obeing "punished""
This.
I don't think much of the ride anyway. Rita is my fave! |
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By *uxom redCouple
over a year ago
Shrewsbury |
"Thats what the girl who lost a leg said.
My opinion is this.. Its certainly a very unfortunate event there was that accident. Believe Alton Towers investigated and it was human error. Independently they have had the ride rigorously tested and its fine. I think the young lady has it wrong when she expresses she wants it brought down. The ride is safe, thousands enjoyed it before her, and thousands will after her.
Others expresses Alton Towers treated all injured parties amazingly well and with great respect.
Do you think it should be allowed to open or destroyed? "
Re open.
After working at Alton towers the main saftey checks are done before the public enter the park.
Unfortunately it was a person's mistake not a fault with the ride. That person has paid for the mistake and will have to live with guilt of what happened.
I can understand why the injured girl would want to have the ride scrapped. |
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Take it down,if it's happened once it can happen again. It's bad taste to leave it there in my opinion. I know it's a simplistic view,but I'm just thinking off my own daughter who loves these rides,it's just one less for me to worry about. It could be her now without part of her leg,like the other two girls. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Take it down,if it's happened once it can happen again. It's bad taste to leave it there in my opinion. I know it's a simplistic view,but I'm just thinking off my own daughter who loves these rides,it's just one less for me to worry about. It could be her now without part of her leg,like the other two girls."
But it wasnt the 'rides' fault.. it was human error |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Take it down,if it's happened once it can happen again. It's bad taste to leave it there in my opinion. I know it's a simplistic view,but I'm just thinking off my own daughter who loves these rides,it's just one less for me to worry about. It could be her now without part of her leg,like the other two girls."
As a parent I can understand where your coming from, but to expand on what your saying, if it have been a car accident would you want all cars removed from the roads incase it may happen again ? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Oh the cynic in me thinks the great British public will enjoy the added thrill of surviving the ride that caused such carnage,,,,
 "
Certainly that is the case with my kids. |
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"Take it down,if it's happened once it can happen again. It's bad taste to leave it there in my opinion. I know it's a simplistic view,but I'm just thinking off my own daughter who loves these rides,it's just one less for me to worry about. It could be her now without part of her leg,like the other two girls.
As a parent I can understand where your coming from, but to expand on what your saying, if it have been a car accident would you want all cars removed from the roads incase it may happen again ?"
We're not talking about car accidents though are we,I know what you're saying it's just my thoughts. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Took at least 6 people to die to close the water shoot ride in the fairground where I live. This was a few years back mind with the most recent person getting decapitated and their head landed on the roof of the candy floss and sweet shop. I still went on it after that happened and it was only pulled down because of structural damage! |
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"by that logic surely we should ban water so no one ever drowns again lol"
However if you had a very traumatic experience in water you would be wary of going in it again. I don't think any of the victims realistically expected the ride to stay closed but I can understand their attitude. |
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"by that logic surely we should ban water so no one ever drowns again lol
I stopped drinking water when I found out that fish fuck in it  "
I ensure its sterilized by adding alcohol, it's the only safe way. |
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Are there any ride operators on this site?
I would like one of them to explain to me how it could have been human error. You dont get ride drivers, just a young chap pressing a go button and that appears to be all.
It seems strange that it could be human error in the abscence of human involvement in the ride once the go button has been pushed.
Could anyone explain please?
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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These rides cost millions and take years to build, as harsh as it sounds I doubt they'd close it for one accident that was human error. When it happened they admitted fault straight away and told the girls parents to get a lawyer draw up a sum they think is sufficient and they'd pay it, no arguments, sure she had like 2 million I'm compo which should see her through life and make up for any lost earning potential, when you think armed forces personal get about 140 thousand for loss of a leg. |
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By *uxom redCouple
over a year ago
Shrewsbury |
"Are there any ride operators on this site?
I would like one of them to explain to me how it could have been human error. You dont get ride drivers, just a young chap pressing a go button and that appears to be all.
It seems strange that it could be human error in the abscence of human involvement in the ride once the go button has been pushed.
Could anyone explain please?
"
There is an over ride switch.
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By *uxom redCouple
over a year ago
Shrewsbury |
"Thank you.
Do you know how using the over ride switch could cause this?"
H s e have published a report and the media debated it.
The over ride as far as I'm aware.. I may be wrong as it's been a long time since I worked there and was not a ride operator.
Over rides the computer. Stopping the computer program |
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By *arry247Couple
over a year ago
Wakefield |
"Are there any ride operators on this site?
I would like one of them to explain to me how it could have been human error. You dont get ride drivers, just a young chap pressing a go button and that appears to be all.
It seems strange that it could be human error in the abscence of human involvement in the ride once the go button has been pushed.
Could anyone explain please?
"
Rides like the Smiler ride have automatic failsafe devices unlike rides of the past.
The operators apparently misunderstood a shutdown message and wrongly restarted the ride.
There was nothing wrong with the ride itself.
I remember an incident when I was working on a travelling Octopus ride in Edinburgh in the 60s. A person dropped her handbag and one of the other workers jumped under the ride to retrieve it without signalling the operator and forgot to stay low. One of the arms of the ride came down and struck his head, I had to hold him down to allow the operator to tilt the ride safely before we could get him to safety.
Luckily he recovered after a couple of days in hospital.
Injuries happen when machinery is used but more often than not it is due to human influence not the machinery.
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"Are there any ride operators on this site?
I would like one of them to explain to me how it could have been human error. You dont get ride drivers, just a young chap pressing a go button and that appears to be all.
It seems strange that it could be human error in the abscence of human involvement in the ride once the go button has been pushed.
Could anyone explain please?
"
I erect and operate a pole for riding on
Anyone want to push my buttons?  |
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In 2001 a woman died following a similar incident at lightwater valley.
A car failed to reach the top, so ride stopped. The emergency stop button wasn't pressed and the second car got released hurtling at full speed into the stuck car.
The ride is still in use. |
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just because it is re-opened doesnt mean people have to ride i. it has been a very high profile case and people will be able to meke an informed choice whether or not to ride it.
as everyone has said, if we top doing any activity where someone is maimed or killed we would become a very dull country indeed.
It is understandable that the victims will have bad feelings about the ride re-opening and they have the right to voice their concerns.
To be honest i dont care whether it is open or not as it is not something i will go on. |
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"I agree i dont think it should re open, what happened that day was horrible and life changing for the crash victims i used to love alton towers but wont step foot there again "
And in other news hundreds of people sadly died on the uks roads and by jumping under trains , I assume by your same logic you no longer leave your house and think the m1 m6 national rail routes and via tube should be closed to all others too ?
For the poor girl in question there is no consolation and her thoughts are perfectly understandable
However, objectively life continues
The world will never be safe all we can strive to do is keep learning and understanding and make our own objective assessment of the perpetual risk all activities carry xx
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Yeah let's not make light of it too much two young girl's lost part of their legs,would people be saying the same if it was their child. They and others will be left with the horror of what happened on that day for the rest of their lives. |
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"Yeah let's not make light of it too much two young girl's lost part of their legs,would people be saying the same if it was their child. They and others will be left with the horror of what happened on that day for the rest of their lives."
No one has said they won't. It's understandable they won't like the decision because they are still traumatised by the events.
I could be flippant and say nobody died in the accident and that many people who have lost limbs go on to lead full and exciting lives. One of the 7/7 bomb survivors represented team GB at the last paralympics so their life hasn't ended it's just changed trajectory, and yes, once the initial shock had worn off that's exactly how I would react if it was one of my loved ones.
Altona towers have not swept what happened under the carpet, they have not shirked their responsibility for what happened, they have complied with any and all investigations that took place and they will have had to satisfy the authorities that learning point's have been made following the crash but it is not reasonable to demand that they close a popular ride because of one incident.
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"Yeah let's not make light of it too much two young girl's lost part of their legs,would people be saying the same if it was their child. They and others will be left with the horror of what happened on that day for the rest of their lives.
No one has said they won't. It's understandable they won't like the decision because they are still traumatised by the events.
I could be flippant and say nobody died in the accident and that many people who have lost limbs go on to lead full and exciting lives. One of the 7/7 bomb survivors represented team GB at the last paralympics so their life hasn't ended it's just changed trajectory, and yes, once the initial shock had worn off that's exactly how I would react if it was one of my loved ones.
Altona towers have not swept what happened under the carpet, they have not shirked their responsibility for what happened, they have complied with any and all investigations that took place and they will have had to satisfy the authorities that learning point's have been made following the crash but it is not reasonable to demand that they close a popular ride because of one incident.
"
I was talking about the guy above me. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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My kids love all those kinds of rides and I guess if it happened to one of them my opinion might be different if course but it's not like anyone died on it (they didn't did they? Oh god I hope not, I seriously can't remember!!), if that crash had someone die, then it could be a different story altogether and obviously it was horrible for the girls involved to have their lives change is such an awful way but it was human error and as usual it takes something like this for 'lessons to be learnt' and hopefully through this the rides will be monitored more closely
G x |
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"Yeah let's not make light of it too much two young girl's lost part of their legs,would people be saying the same if it was their child. They and others will be left with the horror of what happened on that day for the rest of their lives.
No one has said they won't. It's understandable they won't like the decision because they are still traumatised by the events.
I could be flippant and say nobody died in the accident and that many people who have lost limbs go on to lead full and exciting lives. One of the 7/7 bomb survivors represented team GB at the last paralympics so their life hasn't ended it's just changed trajectory, and yes, once the initial shock had worn off that's exactly how I would react if it was one of my loved ones.
Altona towers have not swept what happened under the carpet, they have not shirked their responsibility for what happened, they have complied with any and all investigations that took place and they will have had to satisfy the authorities that learning point's have been made following the crash but it is not reasonable to demand that they close a popular ride because of one incident.
I was talking about the guy above me."
I think his post is valid. We can't keep stopping people from doing things just because a handful of people get hurt. What we should do is improve health and safety practices etc to make sure people can enjoy themselves safely. |
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