Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 11, 2024 8:49 am GMT
On September 14, Alton Towers, one of the UK’s most popular theme parks, experienced an emergency evacuation of its Wicker Man roller coaster. This unexpected incident occurred during a busy afternoon, leaving guests alarmed as they were urged to vacate the area quickly.
Incident Details
Witnesses reported that the fire alarm was triggered around midday. As park staff acted swiftly to ensure guest safety, numerous visitors were seen leaving the area, some abandoning their belongings. Eyewitness accounts detailed a scene of heightened concern, with paths around the ride cleared and individuals prohibited from approaching the site. Statements made by staff, including “This has never happened before,” underscored the seriousness of the situation.
The evacuation caused frustration among thrill-seekers who had invested considerable time waiting in line for the ride. “They reopened it 20 minutes ago,” an eyewitness recounted, only for the ride to be shut down once again after the fire alarm was triggered for a second time. This led to another evacuation as guests scrambled to exit the area promptly.
Previous Incidents
The Wicker Man ride has not been without its challenges this season. Earlier this year, the attraction was evacuated due to smoke that was visible on July 26. Prompt responses from technical staff and safety personnel resulted in a quick resolution to that incident. At that time, park officials indicated that the smoke was likely caused by a foreign object and reassured visitors of their rigorous safety protocols.
In a statement released regarding the earlier incident, a spokesperson for Alton Towers stated, “Wicker Man is constructed with treated wood which inhibits fire ignition.” They also emphasized their commitment to guest safety, noting that the ride would remain closed for essential maintenance following the smoke-related event.
The Wicker Man Ride
The Wicker Man, which debuted in the spring of 2018, is recognized as Alton Towers’ first wooden roller coaster in more than twenty years, built at an impressive cost of £16 million. The ride combines traditional roller coaster thrills with an immersive experience reflecting themes from folklore.
Given its significant investment, the park has prioritized safety and maintenance for the Wicker Man, implementing well-rehearsed emergency protocols in response to both recent evacuations.
Public Response and Next Steps
Following the evacuation incidents, Alton Towers management has come under scrutiny from guests eager to understand the reasons behind these disruptions. Many guests took to social media to express their frustration, particularly regarding the waiting times they had endured prior to the evacuations.
As guests wait for further updates, the park has stated that safety inspections and necessary repairs will be undertaken to ensure that the Wicker Man is fully operational and safe for public use. An official response from Alton Towers is pending, as they continue to manage the situation and address guest concerns.
Conclusion
Alton Towers is dedicated to keeping its visitors safe and having fun. The staff will share more details about the Wicker Man ride and any new steps they will take to make sure that similar problems do not happen again. As the park works through these issues, making sure guests are safe is their main focus.
