Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 11, 2024 5:14 pm GMT
A fire alarm incident at Alton Towers prompted the evacuation of guests waiting to ride The Wicker Man on September 14. Eyewitness accounts detail a chaotic scene as park staff expedited the evacuation, citing that similar events have never occurred before at the popular attraction.
Evacuation Details
According to reports, the fire alarm was triggered during the early afternoon, leading to immediate concern among park visitors. An eyewitness shared that many guests quickly abandoned their belongings as they were instructed to leave the area. “No one was allowed near it… entire paths cleared, no one was allowed to get their bags,” the witness recounted. The evacuation left some guests frustrated, especially those who had waited in line for hours to experience the ride.
Amid the confusion, several staff members were heard repeatedly stating, “This has never happened before,” underscoring the unusual nature of the incident. After a brief pause, the ride was reopened, only for the fire alarm to sound again shortly after, adding to the anxiety of those waiting.
Official Response
A spokesperson for Alton Towers emphasized that the safety of guests is paramount. Following the activation of the fire alarm, staff followed standard evacuation procedures, and an investigation found nothing concerning at the ride. “Our technical teams are working to reset the fire alarm,” they stated. We paused the ride and evacuated the queue line, as is our standard health and safety procedure.
The spokesperson confirmed the ride had been reopened for about 20 minutes before the alarm sounded again. This repeated activation raises questions about reliability and safety assurances surrounding the ride.
Previous Safety Issues
This incident is not the first evacuation related to The Wicker Man this year. In July, the attraction was cleared after smoke was spotted rising from it, leading to immediate action from park officials. A spokesperson from Alton Towers acknowledged the smoke incident, describing how the technical team followed well-rehearsed procedures to address the situation swiftly.
At that time, it was reported that the smoke result was attributed to a foreign object, not an inherent fault with the ride itself. “Wicker Man is constructed with treated wood which inhibits fire ignition,” they noted. Ultimately, the ride was closed for essential maintenance following the July incident to ensure guest safety.
The Wicker Man: A Brief Overview
The Wicker Man, which opened in the spring of 2018, is a significant attraction for Alton Towers, being the park’s first wooden roller coaster in over two decades. Constructed at a cost of £16 million, it has become a centerpiece for thrill-seekers visiting the amusement park. Its unique design and immersive experience have drawn large crowds since its debut.
The ride’s recent evacuations have brought attention to safety protocols at amusement parks and the importance of swift, effective responses to potential hazards. As guests continue to return to Alton Towers in search of thrills, the park remains focused on ensuring a safe environment for all visitors.
Alton Towers is probably going to keep checking the ride’s systems and safety rules to help ease the worries of visitors after the recent evacuations. The park has made it clear that keeping everyone safe is one of their top priorities.
