Alton Towers to re-open after 'Smiler' crash
Alton Towers has confirmed it will re-open on Monday following the rollercoaster crash which seriously injured four people last week.
In a statement from the Staffordshire theme park, it has said that it will re-open but due to the ongoing investigation into the crash on The Smiler, X-Sector will remain closed until further notice.
Bosses at Merlin Entertainments, who run the Staffordhire theme park, said the decision had been made after a 'thorough review' of operating and safety procedures.
The firm's chief executive, Nick Varney, said: "The accident last Tuesday was a terrible event for everyone involved.
"We are very aware of the impact it will have on those involved and we are doing all we can to provide our support to those injured and their families.
"We closed the park immediately whilst preliminary investigations took place and to give our staff time to come to terms with the accident and its aftermath.
"In recent days our management team have been engaged in a thorough review of our operating and safety procedures before making this decision.
"Alton Towers has a long record of safe operation and as we re-open, we are committed to ensuring that the public can again visit us with confidence."
The Staffordshire attraction has been racking up losses of around £500,000 a day since closing after Tuesday's accident.
The four people who suffered critical injuries were airlifted to major trauma centres after the 16 occupants were rescued from 25ft (7.6m) in the air at an angle of about 45 degrees on Tuesday.
One student who suffered potentially life-changing injuries in the crash is still undergoing surgery, her lawyers have said.
Victoria Balch, who is 20 today, is not in a life-threatening condition, as previously thought, law firm Stewarts said in a statement.
Paul Paxton, a partner at Stewarts Law, said the international spa management student and her family remained grateful for the stream of good wishes they have received.
Mr Paxton said: "We have contacted the Health and Safety Executive and hope to be able to discuss with Merlin's insurers and their legal team as early as next week."
