A statement has been issued by the park:

There has been an incident on the Smiler this afternoon involving two carriages coming together on a low section of the track. One of the carriages was empty and the other had 16 guests in.

May I first say that my colleagues and I are devastated by what has happened here today, and our only priority at this time is to work with the emergency services to get the 16 people affected off the ride safely, and most importantly those who are injured are being cared for.

The park's first responder team were on site in minutes, and the emergency services shortly after. The emergency services, including the air ambulances, remain in attendance and are assisting resort staff as they work to evacuate those on the ride.

We can confirm that four guests have sustained serious injuries, and they are being treated at the scene until they can be evacuated.

A full investigation is underway, and representatives of the Health and Safety Executive are already on site and working with us.

Ian Crabbe, director of Alton Towers Resort

Alton Towers theme park has been closed for five days from Wednesday 3rd June until Sunday 7th June following the dreadful incident on The Smiler. It will re-open on Monday 8th June.

All guests with pre-booked tickets, or those who arrive at the theme park, will have the choice of either having their tickets revalidated for an alternative date or a full refund.