The Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers to re-open today

The Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers is to re-open today, nine months after a crash that seriously injured five people.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Mar 2016, 08:26 GMT

Updated 19th Mar 2016, 09:42 GMT

The aftermath of the Smiler accident at Alton Towers

Vicky Balch and Leah Washington both lost a leg when two carriages collided on the rollercoaster on June 2. Three other people, including Daniel Thorpe from Buxton, were also injured.

The ride has been closed since June as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation.

And last month, the HSE announced it was to prosecute Alton Towers’ owners Merlin Attractions Operation Ltd over the crash.

The company are due to appear in court on April 22 to face a charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act etc, 1974.