A toxic waste-themed ride at Alton Towers had to be temporarily closed on its opening day – after a burst pipe flooded the nearby area with sewage. Toxicator, the park’s newest ride, was shut for about an hour on Saturday after the area nearby was evacuated. Alton Towers opened from 10am on Saturday for its 2025 season, staying open until 8pm for Alton After Dark. Plans for the new ride were announced in January, prompting fans to travel to the Staffordshire park, eager to be among the first to ride the attraction. The Toxicator ride in action. Photograph: Alton Towers