When I got the payout, it made me realise that I had to live with this disability for ever. 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. After an investigation, authorities arrested Rogel Hernandez-Reyes, a 27-year-old man from Maryland. 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. Im always aching.". ', Arriving at court: Leah Washington, 18, left with boyfriend Joe Pugh, who broke his legs, and Vicky Balch, 20, right with her mother, were both forced to undergo leg amputations when Smiler crashed, and were at Stafford Crown Court today, Dreadful:Vickie Balch (pictured) was among 16 people injured in June last year - Merlin, which runs Alton Towers, are being sentenced for health and safety breaches, Upsetting: The moments after Smiler crashed last year - leaving the injured dangling in mid air. Me, Dinos mum and my best friends ended up crying. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 2023 BBC. Sixteen people were injured in the June 2015 crash, including two teenage girls who needed leg amputations. 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. He said the wounds suffered, both physical and psychological, had 'changed the lives of the some of those injured, in the most dramatic way'. Brave Leah Washington, 19, was among 16 hurt when their carriage ploughed into another broken down on the 18million Smiler ride. Ben Richardson, who posted pictures on Twitter of the crashed rollercoaster, told the BBC the collision sounded like car crash it was very full on. Daniel Thorpe, 27, from Buxton in Derbyshire, was treated for a collapsed lung and lower leg injuries. 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. 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. The Alton Towers spokeswoman said a full investigation would take place into the accident. Leah Washington, 19, from Barnsley, lost her leg along with another young passenger in the disaster. Smiler crash victim Joe Pugh and girlfriend Leah Washington, who had her leg amputated, tweeted their "disgust". The Recorder of Stafford, Judge Michael Chambers QC, is set to hear evidence of the HSE's investigation into the crash, and mitigation from Merlin, before passing sentence. EXCLUSIVE: The two young women could get around 2million each, according to . When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? The pair announced their engagement two years ago onInstagram. Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. The court heard Varney, a father-of-four, took home a 733,000 pay packet in the same year as the Smiler crash. Beautician Vicky Balch was one of 16 people injured when an empty. In an interview with a university magazine, the students admitted they attached fake legs to their costumes but said it was to simulate "a person sitting down" rather than any form of injury. 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. Now we can focus fully on that.. Box 7200, Leesburg, VA 20177 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. He said a test carriage had been sent around the 14-loop ride, but had failed - known as 'valley-ing' - in the bottom-most part of the Cobra Roll area of the ride, unseen by ride staff. The theme park's operator Merlin has been warned to expect a 'very large fine' for health and safety breaches. 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. 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. THIS is the moment a Smiler rollercoaster smashed into the back of another carriage at Alton Towers and left two teenagers needing leg amputations. Good luck to all the teenagers involved. Im not independent any more at all. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The women are suing Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd for negligence and or breach of statutory duty. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. People just standing around in bewilderment really.. 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.". They described the aftermath as being like something out of a "horror movie. Passengers had to be cut free from wreckage and airlifted to hospital after carriage carrying 16 passengers collided with empty one. 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. Stock in the FTSE-100 firm dropped 3.46% to 444.3p a share. The owner of Alton Towers is facing a multimillion-pound fine after it admitted breaking health and safety laws over the rollercoaster crash that seriously injured five passengers. 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. pic.twitter.com/6torYa0DzW. "Furthermore the company has regular direct contact with those seriously injured and continues to provide help and support wherever we can.". 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 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. I still dont really understand.". "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. Miss Balch has said she does not see the point in being angry about what happened. Joe Pugh, 18, a student at Huddersfield University, and his girlfriend Leah Washington were among the victims. He said there appeared to have been problems with the ride on Tuesday morning. She sometimes says thanks when I dont even notice Ive done anything extra. "I still dont think Ive fully come to terms with everything that's happened. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 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. Merlin said it was "on standby to conclude settlement discussions on the outstanding claims as soon as they are ready". 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. He added that he had read all the victim impact statements. A law firm representing eight of those injured when two carriages of the Smiler ride crashed. But we support each other. Alton Towers Smiler Victims Pictured Together For The First Time Since Crash; Modern World Driving Children to Despair. But Leah added: "Its not going to bring back my leg, its not going to bring back the life I had before. 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. Vicky later gave birth to the couple's first child Venanzio back in Marchthrough an emergency C-Section. Speaking on their behalf, Simon Antrobus, defending, said: 'They wish me to deliver an apology to the court and to those injured and affected by this ride. Later in the day we ate lunch and that was when the incident occurred.. 20:40 GMT 24 Oct 2021 What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Two women who lost legs after a crash on a ride at Alton Towers are suing the park's owners, their lawyers have said. The four most seriously injured were rescued first. Thirteen-year-old April was last seen in Whitchurch at about 5.00 pm yesterday (March 3). This is the horrifying moment The Smiler crashed at Alton Towers leaving 16 injured including two young women who later had legs amputated in the worst British rollercoaster crash for. Its affected literally every aspect of my life. 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. ', Fleet of buses enters Mariupol to evacuate citizens, Aftermath: These are the damaged Smiler carriages, which show how the ride buckled with the force of the collision, Shocking past: The major crash on the Smiler in June 2015 (pictured) in which five people were seriously injured, Rescue: The victims were stuck for up to four hours, some were left unconscious by the crash and lost significant amounts of blood. It is located in the X-Sector area of the park. Four people were seriously hurt after two carriages on the Smiler rollercoaster collided at the theme park yesterday. For the latest news in and around Bristol, visit and bookmark Bristol Live's homepage. The victims of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash have been pictured together for the first time since the horrific incident. "Those individuals who have not yet settled their claims have received significant interim payments. 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The carriages collided so hard the two became meshed together, crushing the limbs of people in the front row and sending the ride swinging back-and-forth like a pendulum. "Regrettably, where such serious injuries are sustained, it can take many years before the extent of losses can be established.". A Merlin spokesman said: "From the outset we have admitted liability and have engaged fully at all times to achieve settlement for all the claimants as quickly as possible. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. pic.twitter.com/aX8mBDaX7K. The University of Nottingham students made the outfits for a bar crawl and posed in them for a student news site. A Merlin spokesman said: "From the outset we have admitted liability and have engaged fully at all times to achieve settlement for all the claimants as quickly as possible. 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. Leahs mum Louise says: We cant afford the legs. Do you know this baby? 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.". #notgood! I want lots of candles and fairylights.. The Smiler reopened in March this year with 'improved safety measures' but student Miss Balch said she hoped the ride would 'be destroyed'. Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, which owns and operates the Alton Towers theme park, previously admitted a breach of health and safety rules over the incident. An investigation by the Staffordshire theme park in November 2015 found it had been caused by human error. Alton Towers owner, Merlin Entertainments, saw its share price plunge when it emerged the Smiler had been involved in a collision. 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. 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. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 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. Leah, whose case should be resolved next year, will need money for the rest of her life. 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. 'You're not on your own up there': Mother's heartbreaking Fighting for life: Distraught mother shares harrowing Court shown horrifying moment The Smiler crashed in worst rollercoaster disaster for years, Impact of packed ride smashing into an empty carriageequivalent to 'a family car of 1.5 tons having collided at about 90mph', Victims were 'suspended (in mid air) for several hours'and suffered 'very significant blood loss' leading to loss of limbs. ALTON Towers Smiler crash victim Vicky Balch has married her fianc in an "emotional" wedding ceremony six years after losing her leg. And Vicky revealed in November that she had been given a. The mother-of-one said she was 'emotional' on the lead up to the big day and 'wouldn't change' anything about her life because she wouldn't have her beloved husband or their son, who is also known as Vinnie. Richardson said the first responders appeared to be more concerned with clearing people away from the ride than reaching the injured passengers. Aerial footage from the scene of a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers amusement park. 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. Victoria Balch is learning to walk again, using a prosthetic A woman who required a leg amputation following a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers theme park has described the operation as a. Leah Washington (left) and Vicky Balch were both badly injured on the ride. 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.". 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. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. In a statement on Tuesday, the theme park owner said: The investigation concluded that the incident was the result of human error culminating in the manual override of the ride safety control system without the appropriate protocols being followed. Judge Michael Chambers QC described the accident as a "catastrophic failure" and said it was entirely avoidable. Students who dressed up as a rollercoaster and called themselves the "7 legless" have apologised to victims of the Alton Towers crash. Victims of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash have received their first insurance payments. Four ambulances and four air ambulances attended the scene among 40 emergency vehicles in total after receiving a 999 call at 2.09pm. With 14 inversions, The Smiler holds the world record for most inversions on a roller coaster. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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People ask if Im happy with it and its difficult to answer. Staff - under pressure to keep the ride in almost constant use and offered bonuses to keep it running - had not even read the manual for the 18million rollercoaster. Mr Thorogood said some victims described the angle as 45 degrees, but accepted this was disputed. They described the aftermath as being like something out of a "horror movie. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Vicky was excited to speak about her wedding, saying: We are getting married in Italy, an intimate ceremony with friends and family. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. "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.". An investigation found an engineer had wrongly restarted the Smiler ride while a stationary carriage was on the track in front of it. Vicky was one of 16 injured when the Smiler ride hit an empty carriage on the tracks in June 2015. "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.. The accident happened on Route 7 westbound at Lakeland Drive . Nicholas Varney, 53, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, and Alton Towers divisional director Ian Crabbe attended court. Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. Mr Antrobus turned to confer with Mr Varney before replying: 'No. I had to think about the help Id need, even at the end of my life. "Regrettably, where such serious injuries are sustained, it can take many years before the extent of losses can be established.". ", Harry: I always felt different to rest of family, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Mbappe breaks PSG goal record in win over Nantes, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78, Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over. 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Lawyers for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have said the 1.1-kilometre Smiler, which opened in 2013, never had 'a proper settled system' for staff to follow when carriages stopped on-track. It was never going to be easy. No one from Alton Towers has resigned as a result of The Smiler disaster, the court heard. LOUDON COUNTY, Va. (7News) A Loudoun County road is closed Thursday to repair a traffic signal pole following an overnight crash. Loudoun County Sheriff's Office 803 Sycolin Road SE Leesburg, VA 20175 Phone: 703-777-0407 Fax: 703-771-5744 Mailing Address P.O. Witnesses posted pictures of the aftermath of the collision as people were evacuated from the rollercoaster. Lawyer Paul Paxton said: "Our clients suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the accident. Theme park owner Merlin admitted breaching the Health and Safety Act and was fined 5m in September 2016. She said she is now having to opt for a "less demanding" career. ", 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. The Staffordshire theme park owner has already admitted breaching the Health and Safety Act, and was fined 5m in September 2016. Some people said they had experienced problems on the ride just hours before the crash. It added that Alton Towers had introduced a number of new safety measures across all its multi-car rollercoasters since the accident. ITV Dancing On Ice judge Christopher announced Jayne is out of surgery - and it was a success. They sent a test car down behind us anyway, which I thought was a bit strange, but I guess thats just procedure for them to do that, he said. He . Alton Towers owners, Merlin, admitted being at fault and a 5 million fine was imposed by the courts. It was really stressful and depressing. The 24-year-old was told about the pay-out last week when Merlin, owners of the Staffordshire theme park, agreed to settle her claim. , updated September 11, 2015, 1:35 AM. "From the outset we have engaged fully at all times to resolve all the claims as quickly as possible. Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Smiler crash, a rollercoaster collision which rocked the UK back in 2015. Alton Towers operator Merlin was fined 5m after admitting .