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4 seriously injured after collision of roller coaster cars

UK responders perform a high-angle rope rescue to free the injured from The Smiler amusement ride

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U.K. responders perform a high angle rope rescue to free four teenagers seriously hurt, and 12 other people who sustained minor injuries. (Image West Midlands Ambulance Service)

STAFFORDSHIRE, England — Four teenagers were seriously injured after a roller coaster crashed into a stationary, unoccupied roller coaster at Alton Towers Resort.

First responders at the theme park were first on the scene, followed by other emergency responders, including West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics. The Smiler crashed around 2 p.m.

“Of the 16 occupants on board the ride, two teenage boys and two teenage girls have sustained serious leg injuries,” a West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said in a statement. “A platform has been built up in order for emergency services to reach the occupants on the ride who are approximately 25 feet up in the air at an angle of about 45 degrees.”

Rope rescue staff worked to released and treat the four seriously injured teens. The other 12 people on the ride sustained minor injuries.

Once released, the four seriously injured will be airlifted to major trauma centers.

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