16 people trapped on Alton Towers’ Smiler rollercoaster this morning

Just five months after being reopened, Alton Towers' Smiler rollercoaster has yet again malfunctioned leaving 16 people trapped earlier today.

The rollercoaster, which crashed in June 2015 and caused serious injury to five young people, was the subject of a high-profile investigation, and subsequently closed to the public for over nine months.

But less than half a year after being reopened, the rollercoaster has again hit the headlines after getting stuck on a vertical part of the track today.

My cousin is at Alton Towers and just said people are stuck on The Smiler as it's come to a stop! Not liking the big drop behind them!

— Lisa King (@lisanorfolk) September 1, 2016

People have taken to social media to highlight the incident, with many questioning whether the rollercoaster will remain open to the public after both occurrences.

According to a spokesperson for the Staffordshire theme park, the ride has now been evacuated and is currently closed to visitors.