A fully-loaded train travelling approximately 20 mph (32 km/h) collided with an empty, stationary train. Of the eleven riders who required medical treatment, five were seriously injured. Two required partial leg amputations in the weeks following the incident.

Yes, the crash of The Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers on June 2, 2015, resulted in serious injuries to 16 people, five of whom were critically hurt. The most severe injuries occurred to those in the front row of the train that collided with a stationary, empty test carriage. Two young women, Leah Washington and Vicky Balch, each had to have a leg amputated (one above the knee, one below) due to the severity of the impact. Other front-row passengers, including Joe Pugh, suffered shattered kneecaps and extensive hand injuries. Beyond the physical trauma, many passengers suffered from punctured lungs and significant psychological distress. An investigation revealed the crash was caused by "human error" after staff manually overrode a safety system. In 2026, the ride continues to operate with enhanced safety protocols, but it remains a landmark case in the UK for amusement park liability, leading to a record £5 million fine for the park's operator, Merlin Entertainments.