Students tell of theme park smash

Gemma Savage was studying biomedical sciences

Sixth-formers on a day out at a North Yorkshire park have been describing to an inquest how they heard a "massive smash".

Gemma Savage, 20, from Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire, died when cars collided on the Treetop Twister ride at Lightwater Valley, Ripon.

Wednesday's hearing heard the students talk of confusion amongst ride attendants.

Miss Savage was fatally injured on the ride in June 2001.

'Should not happen'

The students told the hearing at Skipton Magistrates Court there seemed to be confusion when the ride stopped unexpectedly, stranding three cars.

Attendants were heard to say things such as "that should not be happening", they said.

Pc James Hare of North Yorkshire Police also told the inquest that engineer Eric Butters told him he had tried to rectify the situation by using a manual console to override the computer system.

Miss Savage's car was hit by the car travelling behind.

The second year Durham University student died the next day.

The inquest is expected to continue for another three weeks.