The Smiler – should it be torn down? (Picture: PA)

A man who was on-board the Alton Towers rollercoaster that crashed has told how he ‘thought he would die’.

The 25-year-old passenger, who does not want to be named, screamed at staff to stop the Smiler when the carriage he was in smashed into an empty one on Tuesday – leaving four with serious leg injuries.

The man, from Kent, has told of his nightmare ordeal and says the ride should be torn down.

He told the Mirror: ‘I actually saw the other carriage on the track ahead of us. It was at the top that we all started shouting to the staff telling them to stop.




‘I was swearing and shouting “no, no, no”. I was absolutely petrified.

‘I thought it was going to be the end of my life.’

MORE: Video shows Alton Towers Smiler rollercoaster come to dramatic stop

Those pictured on the row nearest the front suffered serious leg injuries (Picture: PA)

MORE: Teenage couple on ‘first date’ among those injured in Alton Towers Smiler rollercoaster crash

Guests said the ride experienced numerous technical problems that day and was constantly stopping and starting.

He continued: ‘My mind went completely blank when I saw it was going to crash. I remember the impact. It was just massive and rocked the whole carriage.

‘Straight away people were crying and screaming. There was blood everywhere. One person had it all over his face.’

‘I thought, “oh God, someone must have died”.’

MORE: Alton Towers Smiler rollercoaster crash victim who ‘broke both legs’ speaks out for first time

The underside of one carriage is buckled after the impact (Picture: PA)

He suffered severe bruising in the incident but escaped with minor injuries.

He added: ‘I really think they should tear that ride down because I can see it happening again in the future.

‘It’s not safe.’

The Smiler has been plagued with problems since it opened in May 2013.

Just two months later it was closed amid safety fears – visitors queuing raised the alarm when they saw a piece of metal fall to the ground.

Then, in November 2013, it was closed again after a wheel came loose and hit people in the front row.

An air ambulance lands at the scene (Picture: SWNS)

The four seriously injured in the crash have now been named.

Joe Pugh, 18, of Barnsley, who is reported to have broken both legs, was on a first date with Leah Washington.

Leah and Joe (Picture: Ben Lack)

The other two crash victims who suffered serious leg injuries have been named as Daniel Thorpe, 27, of Buxton and Vicky Balch.

Vicky Balch (Picture: PA)

Daniel Thorpe (Picture: PA)

The park has been closed since Tuesday and will remain closed while an investigation is carried out.

It is believed the park is losing £500,000 every day it stays shut.