Popular Alton Towers rollercoaster closed 'until further notice' after smoke seen

Bosses at Alton Towers closed one of its best-known rides as smoke was spotted coming from it. Those in the queue for the Wicker Man had to be evacuated as the drama unfolded, it has been reported.

Footage posted on X, formerly Twitter, showed plumes of smoke rising into the sky from the ride. Eyewitnesses say the alarm also sounded.

The ride features flames as part of its special effects but the theme park believes the fire was sparked by a 'foreign object'. An Alton Towers spokesman told Stoke-on-Trent Live: "Operations on Wicker Man were paused after reports of smoke in the ride area.

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"Our technical team swiftly attended to the smoke and followed well-rehearsed procedures to quickly resolve the issue. Wicker Man is constructed with treated wood which inhibits fire ignition.

"At this stage we believe the cause of the smoke was the result of a foreign object. The safety of our guests is our top priority and the ride will be closed until further notice while we carry out essential maintenance."

Following its launch in 2018, Wicker Man became first wooden rollercoaster to be built in the UK in over 20 years. The 2.000 metre long track features three drops, two tunnels and passes through the flaming Wicker Man three times. It has a top speed of 44mph.