After an investigation, authorities arrested Rogel Hernandez-Reyes, a 27-year-old man from Maryland. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Leah was on a date with boyfriend Joe Pugh, 18, when the accident happened, The teen's left leg was so badly crushed doctors amputated it below the knee, Those on the ride suffered injuries all over their bodies - here a badly cut finger is stitched up, A bloodied finger is pictured here as victims suffered horrific injuries in the crash, Leah's leg was left badly crushed and doctors were forced to amputate below the knee, Leah was speaking to Channel 5's documentary Where Theres Blame, Theres a Claim, Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, which owns Alton Towers, reopened the Smiler rollercoaster after several months despite the horrific incident, Brave Leah said: 'I didnt think it would be as hard as it is. The prosecution went on to say that none of the four engineers involved in working on the Smiler 'had the full picture or understanding of conditions on the ride'. Joe Pugh has received his final settlement from the theme park while his girlfriend will have to wait until next year for her compensation. Artificial limbs can cost 80,000 each and need replacing every few years. 'A number of errors were made. Vicky Balch, 23, and Leah Washington, 20, were in the front seats of the. 2023 BBC. Blood everywhere. Alton Towers operator Merlin was fined 5m after admitting breaching the Health and Safety Act. There were 'near gale' wind speeds of 46mph on day of crash - but Smiler should not run at more than 34mph. Balch, who also lost a leg in the incident, has previously said she wanted the ride to shut for good. Mr Antrobus turned to confer with Mr Varney before replying: 'No. After that, we didnt really know what it was, then it started filtering through that something bad had happened. The Smiler reopened in March this year with 'improved safety measures' but student Miss Balch said she hoped the ride would 'be destroyed'. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Ukraine soldiers shoot down enemy drones with drones of their own, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Mark Gordon arrives at Crawley Police Station after remains found, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Martin Robinson, Uk Chief Reporter For Mailonline, Do not sell or share my personal information. Incredibly it emerged that today staff running ride at Alton Towers had not read the ride's operating manual and then took 17 minutes to dial 999. The trapped ridegoers then had to wait more than four hours to be freed from the crumpled carriage while rescue workers battled to reach them as they sat 25ft up in the air at an angle of about 45 degrees, pinned in by the mangled metal. Some people said they had experienced problems on the ride just hours before the crash. The Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers. Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. Its affected literally every aspect of my life. Something went wrong, please try again later. But hopefully it will cover everything I need.. Mr Thorogood added: 'The subsequent collision was plain to see to some in the train, and I refer to those in the front row's statements, where they speak of their disbelief and horror as they saw ahead up the track the train into which there were going to dive. September 11, 2015, 1:35 AM. She was sat in the front carriage when the crash happened and was rushed in to surgery where doctors had to amputate her right leg. Merlin said it was "on standby to conclude settlement discussions on the outstanding claims as soon as they are ready". Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). View our online Press Pack. Footage of the Smiler rollercoaster seconds after the crash. Box 7200, Leesburg, VA 20177 As of 1:30 p.m., all . Victims, many with visible scars, were at Stafford Crown Court for the two-day sentencing hearing and heard how a series of blunders led to the crash. Leah Washington (left) and Vicky Balch were both badly injured on the ride. Witnesses describe passengers screaming for help from carriage suspended in mid-air after collision on theme parks Smiler attraction. Miss Balch has said she does not see the point in being angry about what happened. With 14 inversions, The Smiler holds the world record for most inversions on a roller coaster. Tom Whelton, who was on the Smiler hours before the crash, said his carriage got stuck on the rollercoasters first hill. 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Lawyer Paul Paxton said: "Our clients suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the accident. What science tells us about the afterlife. They are my everything.'. The beautician wore a gorgeous floor-length plunge white gown that was altered so she could comfortably walk down the aisle whilst using her prosthetic leg. The Alton Towers spokeswoman said a full investigation would take place into the accident. Miss Balch has said she does not see the point in being angry about what happened. When I got the payout, it made me realise that I had to live with this disability for ever. Guardian's Allowance weekly payments are also rising in April. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Two women - Victoria Balch and Leah Washington - had. Alton Towers owner fined 5m over Smiler rollercaster crash, Alton Towers owner pleads guilty over Smiler rollercoaster crash, Alton Towers crash victim says bionic leg has transformed her life, Alton Towers Smiler crash footage released for first time, Alton Towers ride reopens despite protests, Moment of Alton Towers Smiler crash CCTV video, Alton Towers crash victim learns to walk again on prosthetic leg video, Alton Towers crash victim says amputation was a relief, Alton Towers Smiler ride victims meet 'amazing' rescuers at ceremony, Alton Towers: footage of ride seconds after crash - video, Alton Towers crash victim Leah Washington feared she would die on the Smiler. Vicky Balch, 23, and Leah Washington, 20, were in the front seats of the Smiler ride which rammed into a stationary carriage in June 2015. Email us attips@the-sun.co.ukor call 0207 782 4368, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. He said: 'The staff had come to distrust at that stage the fault signal on occasions and hence they thought that the one that was showing was an error. I'm so happy and excited for the rest of our lives together,' she told the Mirrorat the time. Read about our approach to external linking. Vicky Balch, then 19, and Leah Washington, then 17, were. A couple seriously injured in a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers have announced their engagement. Emergency services eventually rescued 16 people trapped on the rollercoaster at a 45-degree angle. She sometimes says thanks when I dont even notice Ive done anything extra. What normal 24-year-old has to think about any of that? I had to face that this was going to be something I was going to have to live with for the rest of my life. In a change of heart, the pair decided to rearrange their nuptials and planned their special day in Britain at the Bartle Hall Hotel near their home in Preston. It has been closed twice before because of technical issues. Leah and Vicky Balch, of Leyland, Lancashire, who also lost a leg as a result of the crash, later announced they were suing Merlin for negligence and or breach of statutory duty. The serious crash unfolded on June 2, 2015, when a loaded train on the. The dress helped me decide on a theme its very fairytale. ", BBC Beyond Paradise star Jamie Bamber is married to Eastenders actress. Sixteen people were injured when their carriage collided with an empty one on a low section of the ride, which can reach speeds of up to 50mph. Its been four-and-a-half years. He said settlements relied on receiving certain information from claimants, and Merlin had "provided appropriate support including interim payments while the assessments continue". I hope I get it right. Two people. Victims who lost limbs, broke bones and suffered internal injuries in the disaster relieved their ordeal as they faced the theme park's bosses at Stafford Crown Court today. Alton Towers, in Staffordshire, which is owned by Merlin Entertainments, was fined 5million over the Smiler crash in 2015. THIS is the moment a Smiler rollercoaster smashed into the back of another carriage at Alton Towers and left two teenagers needing leg amputations. He . Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. Judge Michael Chambers QC said the crash on the 18m attraction was a "catastrophic failure and a "needless and avoidable accident in which those who were injured were lucky not to be killed.". Vicky is now planing her wedding to fianc Dino Manciocchi next year. "Regrettably, where such serious injuries are sustained, it can take many years before the extent of losses can be established.". Collision course: Swinging into the picture moments before impact on the left, the Smiler packed with people circled in blue on the right plummets towards the empty carriage circled in red, Carnage: The two trucks collide like a 90mph car crash and they became meshed together, crushing the people in the front row - two of whom later had legs amputated, Blunder: This footage seconds before the crash shows how the ride was stopped but then set off again when an engineer ignored a warning on the ride's computer system, Scale model: The Health and Safety Executive were able to plot the speed and power of the impact in Britain's worst rollercoaster crash for years. Ian Crabbe, Alton Towers divisional director, said in a statement: May I first say that my colleagues and I are devastated by what has happened here today, and our only priority at this time is to work with the emergency services to get the 16 people affected off the ride safely, and most importantly those who are injured are being cared for. The court also heard engineers should have seen the empty carriage which was visible on CCTV cameras covering the track. The pair, from Barnsley in South Yorkshire, were among 16 people hurt in the crash, five of them seriously, when two carriages on the ride collided in June that year. One had then overridden a computer system 'block-stop' which they believed had halted the ride in error, sending a full 16-seater rollercoaster car around the track and into the empty carriage. I'm A Celebrity 2019: Fears show could be cancelled due to huge bush fires in Australia, Mum's 'life-changing' baby wipe hack is stunning parents, DWP: Every one-off payment the government is sending out this March, Eligible people are entitled to several grants and benefits this month, Primark's cross-body bags similar to 3.4k Dior version wowing savvy shoppers. Four of those rescued had significant lower-limb injuries that were not life threatening and were treated at the scene by trauma doctors, after what was described as the most serious accident at Alton Towers since the popular theme park opened in 1980. An investigation by the Staffordshire theme park in November 2015 found it had been caused by human error. She received thousands of likes and wrote: "So this happened yesterday I SAID YES. Sixteen people were injured in the crash in June 2015, including Ms Washington and Vicky Balch, who both needed leg amputations. Joe tells the documentary: I could just see blood, bone and flesh splattered on the carriage in front., Leah says: I remember saying to you Will you hold my hand and you said I cant my fingers hanging off.. No amount will give me my leg back or the life I would have had.. In a statement, the University of Nottingham Students' Union, said: "The costume was in no way intended to reference the tragedy that occurred on the Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers. Mr Thorogood said engineers, responding to a fault, were 'without guidance from above', and had not been given a system to follow to safely deal with the problem on the track. But Leah added: "Its not going to bring back my leg, its not going to bring back the life I had before. Joe Pugh, 18, a student at Huddersfield University, and his girlfriend Leah Washington were among the victims. It has taken full responsibility for the incident and continues to co-operate with the ongoing Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation. Speaking to Mirror Online, she said: Its hard being asked how many children you want, thinking about whether youll be able to use a prosthetic when youre older, when youll be in a wheelchair. Four people suffered serious leg injuries and were left suspended eight metres off the ground for several hours after a collision between two carriages on a rollercoaster at Alton Towers amusement park. A court saw CCTV footage today for the. Judge Michael Chambers QC said the crash on the 18m attraction was a "catastrophic failure and a "needless and avoidable accident in which those who were injured were lucky not to be killed.". pic.twitter.com/aX8mBDaX7K. The theme park's operator Merlin has been warned to expect a 'very large fine' for health and safety breaches. The website reads: Not for the faint-hearted, this new ride at Alton Towers features a series of twisted psychological effects including optical illusions, blinding lights and near misses designed to mess with your mind.. I need to go to the same physio my entire life, the same appointments my entire life. Prosecutors revealed the weather should have shut down the ride and engineers were ill-equipped to deal with the aftermath. A carriage containing 16 passengers crashed into an empty train that had stopped midway around the 14-loop ride. as being like something out of a "horror movie. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Two women were transferred to the Royal Stoke University hospital and two men were taken to hospitals in Coventry and Warwickshire. A spokesperson for Alton Towers said: "From the outset we have sought to provide assistance and support to those that were injured and their families. 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The Smiler ride itself, it was concluded, was 'well-designed' as were the computer and 'sophisticated' control systems, while the operator of the ride had followed safe working practices. An Alton Towers spokesman confirmed a decision had been taken to keep the park closed, and said that guests with pre-booked tickets and those arriving at the theme park would have the choice of a . Alton Towers' owner, Merlin Entertainments, saw its share price plunge when it emerged the Smiler had been involved in a collision. The grainy CCTV clip shows the ride smashing into an empty carriage with the same forceas a 90mph car crash. Vicky Balch is now going to focus on planning her wedding, Sign up to our free email alerts for the top Bristol Voices stories sent straight to your e-mail. Alton Towers owner, Merlin Entertainments, saw its share price plunge when it emerged the Smiler had been involved in a collision. The pair both feature in a new Channel 5 series, Where Theres Blame Theres A Claim, which examines compensation cases. Anna Wiseman, Senior Associate at Stewarts who represented Vicky Balch in the legal claim said: No amount of money will ever be able to replace what Vicky has lost. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Leah, 17 had just left school and had only been going out with Joe, 18, for four days when they had a day out at the Staffordshire theme park two years ago. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Leah Washington and Joe Pugh were both teenagers riding the Smiler when it crashed in. 20:40 GMT 24 Oct 2021 Each of the top of the range legs with a microprocessor knee joint can cost up to 80,000 and last about eight years. Alton Towers crash victim Vicky Balch ties the knot in 'emotional' wedding ceremony - Mirror Online. The court heard Varney, a father-of-four, took home a 733,000 pay packet in the same year as the Smiler crash. "Vickys determination, courage and excellent approach to the tough challenges she has faced since the accident has been inspiring, she has a fantastic nature and with her forthcoming wedding is proof that life goes on after serious injury.. Alton Towers owner fined 5m over Smiler rollercaster crash, Alton Towers owner pleads guilty over Smiler rollercoaster crash, Alton Towers crash victim says bionic leg has transformed her life, Alton Towers Smiler crash footage released for first time, Alton Towers ride reopens despite protests, Alton Towers Smiler ride crash caused by human error, theme park says, Moment of Alton Towers Smiler crash CCTV video, Alton Towers crash victim learns to walk again on prosthetic leg video, Alton Towers crash victim says amputation was a relief, Alton Towers Smiler ride victims meet 'amazing' rescuers at ceremony. In November 2013, guide wheels fell off the ride and hit four people in the front carriage, once again forcing it to close. "In the meantime, interim payments and other support have been provided to aid Vickys rehabilitation.". Stock in the FTSE-100 firm dropped 3.46% to 444.3p a share after opening this morning at 462.6p a share. Dino, a pizza company owner, had laid rose petals and heart shaped balloons on the bed before popping the question. Manufactured by Gerstlauer, it opened in 2013 as the world's first Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster. The investigation also identified areas where protocols and the training of employees should be improved. Leah Washington (left) and Vicky Balch were both badly injured on the ride. A VICTIM of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash told how she's living in agony and has been left constantly aching two years on from losing a leg in the smash. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Leahs mum Louise says: We cant afford the legs. He said the wounds suffered, both physical and psychological, had 'changed the lives of the some of those injured, in the most dramatic way'. ", Cash machine fraudsters target Staffordshire banks, Cold weather warning for possible snow showers, Man jailed following fatal hit and run which killed 'devoted mother' in Crewe, Council working on new tree planting policy amid claims existing rules preventing highways planting, Major bus operator announces it will 'step in and cover' Arriva services, China looks at reforms to deepen Xi's control, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Inside the enclave surrounded by pro-Russia forces, 'The nurses wanted me to feel guilty about my abortion, From Afghan TV fame to a US factory floor. Chanda Chauhan, 49, from Wednesbury, had surgery after suffering internal injuries. When we went on, when we were queuing, it said: Weve got a couple of technical difficulties and then probably 10 or 15 minutes later the ride carried on. Other rides at Alton Towers were shut down. An arctic maritime airmass will sweep across the UK from Monday, Harry Potter star supports JK Rowling and wishes people would 'just listen', Evanna Lynch, who is best known for her role as Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter, has defended the author JK Rowling following her controversial comments in 2020, National Lottery results draw LIVE: Winning Lotto numbers on Saturday, March 4, Child Benefit payments to increase from next month - here are the new weekly rates and all the details. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk, Alton Towers crash victims sue 'for 2m', Cash machine fraudsters target Staffordshire banks, Cold weather warning for possible snow showers, Man jailed following fatal hit and run which killed 'devoted mother' in Crewe, Council working on new tree planting policy amid claims existing rules preventing highways planting, Major bus operator announces it will 'step in and cover' Arriva services, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Inside the enclave surrounded by pro-Russia forces, China looks at reforms to deepen Xi's control, 'The nurses wanted me to feel guilty about my abortion, From Afghan TV fame to a US factory floor. Lawyers said Meera Chauhan, 52, and her daughter Vanisha Singh, 33, from Walsall, who were also injured in the crash, were preparing their own legal battle. People hear Ive got money and think it must be like winning the lottery. I kept saying to Dino, Its over, I cant believe its all over.. does not see the point in being angry about what happened. as being like something out of a "horror movie. However, he added that although there had been 'a number of human errors', the 'fault here is with the employers', and not individuals. Alton Towers operator Merlin has been fined 5m for the crash on the Smiler rollercoaster. 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However, he added that there was 'absolutely no evidence of a task analysis-based approach for engineering work, in particular in dealing with ride faults'. Leah Washington and her boyfriend Joe Pugh on The Smiler. Beautician Vicky Balch was one of 16 people injured when an empty. Credit: ITV News Central. The victims screamed for help as they were left suspended in mid-air on the ride, which can reach speeds of up to 50mph, for several hours. Washington has said she feared she would die in the moments after the crash when she looked down and saw metal bars protruding into her legs. By The 18m Smiler ride, described as the worlds first 14-looping rollercoaster on its official website, opened in May 2013. She said she is now having to opt for a "less demanding" career. ITV Dancing On Ice's Christopher Dean issues Jayne Torvill health announcement. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Disgusting.". When the Smiler reopens, it will include new safety measures including additional CCTV cameras and an enhanced safety process requiring a senior member of staff to authorise the manual overrides that caused the Smiler crash. The five seriously injured were Vicky Balch and Daniel Thorpe, from Buxton in Derbyshire, Leah Washington and Joe Pugh, from Barnsley, and Chandaben Chauhan, from Wednesbury, West Midlands. Alton Towers owners, Merlin, admitted being at fault and a 5 million fine was imposed by the courts. Its all to go on treatment. "The claimants' lawyer has confirmed to us that this is a purely procedural filing to preserve their clients' rights in relation to the standard three-year limitation period, and that certain claims are not yet ready for settlement due to their complex nature.". Their front carriage on The Smiler rollercoaster hit a broken-down carriage on the track with the force of a 90 mph car crash. "Whilst money cannot make up for what they have endured over the past three years, financial security can at least help the victims to lead a full and active life. She has described the "stressful and depressing" journey to get compensation but is now focusing on planning her wedding. Dino also spoke to Mirror Online about their relationship and his role in keeping Vicky's spirits up. The four most seriously injured were rescued first. The Smiler ride at Alton Towers Read More Related Articles. Leah Washington, 18, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, and Vicky Balch, 20, from Leyland, Lancashire, were both forced to undergo leg amputations as a result of the horror crash. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. The accident occurred just after 2pm and the evacuation of the ride was completed at 6.35pm, according to an Alton Towers spokeswoman. Alton Towers has confirmed its flagship roller coaster the Smiler will . What science tells us about the afterlife. Vicky later gave birth to the couple's first child Venanzio back in Marchthrough an emergency C-Section. The crash on the Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers that seriously injured five people was caused by human error, the theme parks owner has said.