Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). 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.". 2023 BBC. Chandaben Chauhan (right) suffered internal injuries after being on a girls day out with her two daughters, one of whom accompanied her to court today, Entourage: The large legal team representing Alton Towers' owners Merlin file into Stafford Crown Court this morning. Brave Leah Washington, 19, was among 16 hurt when their carriage ploughed into another broken down on the 18million Smiler ride. Pressure mounts on KFC to shutter its 1,000 Russian restaurants as McDonald's Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Pepsi ALL halt business there indefinitely over Ukraine invasion, Heartbreaking pictures show Ukrainian children hiding in a bomb shelter in Mariupol as Russian troops lay siege to city where girl, six, has died of thirst after water was cut off, Sherri Papini makes a dash for her car after she's released on $120K bond with NO GPS monitor following arrest for 'Gone Girl' abduction hoax where she disappeared for 22 days and claimed she'd been abused, Is your dog depressed? Beautician Vicky Balch was one of 16 people injured when an empty. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? Artificial limbs can cost 80,000 each and need replacing every few years. The court was told the victims of the Smiler crash were held at a 'very difficult angle' as the two trains on the ride 'meshed together'. Alton Towers, in Staffordshire, which is owned by Merlin Entertainments, was fined 5million over the Smiler crash in 2015. Mum in hysterics after son's Christening banner is taken 'too literally', "All of my family and friends were just in stitches", Jet2 announces new Bristol Airport destination to Greece ahead of 'busiest summer yet', It's expecting its "biggest ever summer operation" in Bristol, Police appeal for help in finding missing Bristol teen. The comments below have been moderated in advance. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Theres not a lot of people talking, he said. ", BBC Beyond Paradise star Jamie Bamber is married to Eastenders actress. 'There was no single member of technical service staff in control,' Mr Thorogood said. But the company has been criticised for putting profits over people and keeping the ride open even in the face of the appalling injuries sustained on it. 'I had no idea he was going to propose and couldn't believe it when he asked me. Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. 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. Her parents had to move house to a bungalow with wheelchair access and she needs physiotherapy and prosthetic legs. LOUDON COUNTY, Va. (7News) A Loudoun County road is closed Thursday to repair a traffic signal pole following an overnight crash. Mr Thorogood, summing up that point, said 'engineers revealed a range of understandings to important aspects, which with a single system (of working) there would not be'. Alton Towers operator Merlin has been fined 5m for the crash on the Smiler rollercoaster. Now Jeremy Hunt must give us a Budget to boost Britain, Leicester 'explosion': Listen to massive 'sonic' boom that shook homes and rattled windows. The pair then began planning their special day and Vicky admitted she would be using the payout money to fund her dream wedding. I'm so happy and excited for the rest of our lives together,' she told the Mirrorat the time. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? I want lots of candles and fairylights.. She told ITV: Id like it to be, but I know thats not realistic because it was a big attraction for the company. The investigation also identified areas where protocols and the training of employees should be improved. In July 2013, 48 people were evacuated after witnesses saw a metal bar break away from the ride before landing near them, exposing a gap in the track and forcing another shutdown. The crash on the Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers that seriously injured five people was caused by human error, the theme park's owner has said. A couple seriously injured in a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers have announced their engagement. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Vicky had to answer distressing questions such as how many children she hoped to have and how the injury would affect her life as part of the process. The court also heard engineers should have seen the empty carriage which was visible on CCTV cameras covering the track. A couple seriously injured in a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers have announced their engagement. Merlin said it was "on standby to conclude settlement discussions on the outstanding claims as soon as they are ready". EXCLUSIVE: The two young women could get around 2million each, according to . Emergency services were still attempting to free the last of the trapped passengers four hours after the incident, using a specially constructed platform to reach the carriage. Do you know this baby? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Alton Towers Smiler crash Thrill-seekers left with devastating injuries All 16 people were eventually freed from the carriage. 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. 2023 BBC. Im always aching.". 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. "The students involved further wish to apologise unreservedly to those affected by the Smiler incident for any offence or distress they may have unwittingly caused.". Box 7200, Leesburg, VA 20177 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. 'A number of errors were made. 20:48 GMT 24 Oct 2021. 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'. "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.. 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. Mr Thorogood said: 'One first empty train was sent to establish the lift was operating normally but, unknown to those present, this train failed to clear the loop - with which this case is unfortunately and sadly concerned. View our online Press Pack. as being like something out of a "horror movie. Miss Balch, of Leyland, Lancashire, and Miss Washington, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, needed partial leg amputations after the crash. Richardson said the first responders appeared to be more concerned with clearing people away from the ride than reaching the injured passengers. The University of Nottingham said it had "liaised closely" with the students' union since it became aware of the conduct of those attending the event. Two teenagers involved in the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash were on their first official date, it emerged today. Its not really a life, but it's something I'll have to live with', Leah says she is struggling with her training course because of her disability, Judge Michael Chambers QC described the accident Leah went through as a 'catastrophic failure', Alton Towers has only made interim payments to cover Leah's medical and physio bills - but the full compensation figure is still being assessed, Emergency services raced to the scene, which saw two victims lose a leg, Firefighters and emergency workers free passengers from the Smiler ride, Alton Towers victim Leah Washington shares pictures of her horror injuries as she reveals Im living in agony, Putin's thugs close in on ravaged Ukrainian city with thousands fleeing as intense fighting rages, Partygate buster Sue Gray's son 'boasting about mum on campaign trail as he tries to unseat Boris Johnson', Suella Braverman vows to stop the boats with new law to crack down on migrants using human rights laws to stay in UK, Runaway mum Constance Marten was 'groomed' by evil Nigerian sect leader, Man 'naked and covered in blood' arrested before mum found 'murdered' at home as neighbours reveal hearing screams, Rishi Sunaks new bill to end the Channel migrant crisis is crucial for the Tories, Right, Brexits done. Mr Thorogood said some victims described the angle as 45 degrees, but accepted this was disputed. Joe suffered shattered kneecaps in the accident. At least 16 were injured and five people were seriously hurt when it smashed into a broken down carriage after a series of blunders. Latest news and stories from the West Midlands, "catastrophic failure and a "needless and avoidable accident in which those who were injured were lucky not to be killed.". Leah Washington and her boyfriend Joe Pugh on The Smiler. I have to be careful with the money, I have to plan how much I need to keep away for later life and care.. "However I am extremely pleased that this settlement will provide financial security for her to help her live the rest of her life to the full and maximise her potential. But hopefully it will cover everything I need.. Brave Leah Washington, 19, was Joe Pugh, 18, also from Barnsley and Daniel Thorpe, 28, from Buxton, Derbyshire, also suffered serious leg injuries, along with 49-year-old Chandaben Chauhan. Giving an example of the idiosyncratic approach, Mr Thorogood said one engineer who worked on the Smiler that day told investigators after the crash that he had 'assumed' the rollercoaster had been fitted with a type of safety trip-switch present on at least one other park ride, when in fact it had not. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Passengers were left trapped more than 20 feet from the ground at an angle of about 45 degrees before they were eventually freed by emergency workers and stretchered away. I was told the average life expectancy of someone with an amputation. Danny Simm, a radio presenter on 96.5 Bolton FM who appears to have been at the amusement park, tweeted: People unconscious, knocked out. Emergency services eventually rescued 16 people trapped on the rollercoaster at a 45-degree angle. Human error caused the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash in June that seriously injured five people, the Staffordshire theme park has said. "I spent the next two days just sighing with relief. A court hearing in April this year was told Merlin had conducted an internal investigation following the incident, which established that a worker manually 'overrode' the ride's governing computer system. Alton Towers' owner, Merlin Entertainments, saw its share price plunge when it emerged the Smiler had been involved in a collision. When the wedding was put off last year, the couplestarted trying for a baby, andthree months after coming off the pill they conceived. Some of the passengers sustained life-changing injuries. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Its been four-and-a-half years. 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. In its investigation, the safety watchdog found that a 'near-gale' may have been to blame for the empty carriage failing to clear the Cobra Loop in the first place, following an early problem with one of the ride's lifts. "I come home from work and all I want to do is get in bed. Joe Pugh, from Barnsley in South Yorkshire tweeted: "How awful and disrespectful can people get? ', The barrister, speaking for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which brought the prosecution, said: 'Engineers who came to remedy the situation, regarding the indicated block-stop, thought it was a false one reflecting a recently corrected issue and did not see the stalled train, and proceeded to re-set and re-start the ride, overriding the computer-generated block-stop.'. Where There's Blame There's A Claim features Leah Washington and Joe Pugh, Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts. 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. Russia announces new ceasefire and 'humanitarian corridors' for fleeing civilians in FIVE cities from Wednesday morning - but will Putin's troops stop firing? Guardian's Allowance weekly payments are also rising in April. Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. share price plunge when it emerged the Smiler had been involved in a collision. "The university expects to receive a full report from the SU on the conduct of the event on 17 October and the future of the event itself.". Smiler crash victim Joe Pugh and girlfriend Leah Washington, who had her leg amputated, tweeted their "disgust". What science tells us about the afterlife. Nicholas Varney, 53, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, and Alton Towers divisional director Ian Crabbe attended court. 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.. I would like to thank them for all their support over the past 2 years., We pay for your stories! She doesnt deserve this and we dont want to go through life watching her struggle., Legal expert Deborah Saini comments: There were failings on the part of Alton Towers and that means they can claim compensation. I hope I get it right. THIS is the moment a Smiler rollercoaster smashed into the back of another carriage at Alton Towers and left two teenagers needing leg amputations. But we support each other. But that money doesnt go to the victims so Leah and Joe have been mounting a substantial compensation claim. Witnesses described hearing a huge sound, like a car crash when the carriages came together on the Smiler attraction on Tuesday afternoon. It has been closed twice before because of technical issues. A woman who lost her leg in a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers has received a multi-million pound payout four years on. Kaya Terry For Mailonline, New heartbreak for Alton Towers Smiler crash survivor Vicky Balch as coronavirus forces her to postpone the dream Italian wedding she funded from her compensation payout after losing her leg, Alton Towers amputee, 25, announces she is expecting a baby with her fiance five years after losing her leg in rollercoaster disaster, Alton Towers amputee Vicky Balch, 25, gives birth to baby boy called Venanzio six years after she lost her leg in horrific Smiler ride accident at theme park, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' It added that Alton Towers had introduced a number of new safety measures across all its multi-car rollercoasters since the accident. I wanted to take her mind away from the case and put it in a nice place wedding prep and marriage. In an interview in August, Washington described the blur of waking up in hospital and being told her left leg had been amputated and that it still had not sunk in. Email us attips@the-sun.co.ukor call 0207 782 4368, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. ", Joe wrote on his Instagram page "What a great end to a long weekend in Venice SHE SAID YES". We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Another Twitter user posted a video appearing to show a third air ambulance arriving at the amusement park. Read about our approach to external linking. Leah, who is facing fresh surgery on her leg in September, said: "They said it would take up to three years, so were still waiting to hear. Dino, a pizza company owner, had laid rose petals and heart shaped balloons on the bed before popping the question. But Leah added: "Its not going to bring back my leg, its not going to bring back the life I had before. Leah Washington and Joe Pugh, who were in the front row, are circled, 'We will not give up. They could each receive "well in excess of 2m" in compensation if the High Court claim is successful. "There are lots of meetings and specialists you have to see. The pair tied the knot in front of 50 guests and Vicky's father walked her down the aisle. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. The accident in June 2015 was put down to human error and Alton Towers owner Merlin Attractions was fined 5million for health and safety breaches. 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. 'The problem was that the head-wind which that train could not overcome. Merlin Entertainments said: Alton Towers continues to provide help and support to all of those who were on the ride when the incident happened. Sixteen people were injured in the crash in June 2015, including Ms Washington and Vicky Balch, who both needed leg amputations. By Read about our approach to external linking. 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. People hear Ive got money and think it must be like winning the lottery. The serious crash unfolded on June 2, 2015, when a loaded train on the. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. The University of Nottingham students made the outfits for a bar crawl and posed in them for a student news site. 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. Alton Towers Smiler Victims Pictured Together For The First Time Since Crash; Modern World Driving Children to Despair. Witnesses describe passengers screaming for help from carriage suspended in mid-air after collision on theme parks Smiler attraction. 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. ': Conservatives blast fellow Republican Matt Schlapp after the CPAC organizer suggested transgender swimmer Lia Thomas 'deserves our compassion', Trump asked Bill Barr 'what the hell were those cops thinking' when they killed George Floyd, said Eric Garner's death looked 'pretty bad' and Ahmaud Arbery's murder was 'ugly', former AG claims in new book, Donald Trump's personal attorney claims thieves broke into her parked car looking to steal former president's confidential files as CCTV shows suspects zooming past his Bedminster golf club before targeting her vehicle, New deal, old flame! They described the aftermath as being like something out of a "horror movie. It is located in the X-Sector area of the park. Vicky Balch, then 19, and Leah Washington, then 17, were. The Smiler reopened in March this year with 'improved safety measures' but student Miss Balch said she hoped the ride would 'be destroyed'. Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We will wait for the recommendations and full findings based on the ongoing investigation these will be critical in ensuring that lessons are learned., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. She has described the "stressful and depressing" journey to get compensation but is now focusing on planning her wedding. 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. Joey Barton speaks with pride as Bristol Rovers come through his 'acid test' against Barnsley, Joey Barton was pleased by his Bristol Rovers players' determined performance in a deserved goalless draw against promotion-chasing Barnsley, Bristol Rovers 0-0 Barnsley recap: Reaction as Gas hold Tykes to respectable point, Live coverage from the Mem as Joey Barton's Bristol Rovers take on an in-form Barnsley in League One on Saturday, Cardiff City 2-0 Bristol City live: Reaction as Robins suffer derby defeat, Updates from Cardiff City Stadium as Bristol City take on the Bluebirds in the 100th competitive fixture between the sides, Homes Under the Hammer star Martin Roberts takes on 'bonkers project' to renovate Welsh pub, He said he didn't tell his wife before he ended up with the keys to the Hendrewen Hotel, which closed during lockdown, Complaints as cockerels crow 'every 15 seconds', While some complained, others said it was part of living in the countryside, M5 to close overnight in Bristol for repairs after tipper lorry crash, It will be closed in both directions from 8pm on Saturday (March 4) to 8am on Sunday (March 5), New Bristol city centre townhouses on the market for over 625K, Tribute mural to man murdered in hate crime vandalised by taggers, Funds are being collected to restore the mural, In pictures: 16 images which capture the Harbourside over the years.