Latest
issue
Get Attractions Management digital magazine FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs   News   Features   Products   Company profilesProfiles   Magazine   Handbook   Advertise    Subscribe  
NEWS
17-year-old loses leg after Alton Towers accident
POSTED 09 Jun 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
Five were hospitalised following the coaster crash Credit: West Midlands Ambulance Service
A 17-year-old-girl – one of five hospitalised after the Smiler crash at Alton Towers – has had to have her leg amputated following the tragic accident on 2 June.

Leah Washington was sitting on the front row of the rollercoaster, which crashed into an empty carriage on the track. Leah had her left leg amputated above the knee and also sustained a fractured left hand.

18-year-old Joe Pugh, who was sitting next to Leah, is being treated for two broken knees and “extensive” hand injuries, while 20-year-old Vicky Balch is in a “serious but stable” condition after undergoing surgery. 27-year-old Daniel Thorpe is also in a “serious but stable” condition with a collapsed lung and a fractured leg, while 49-year-old Chanda Singh has had stomach surgery and is suffering from a damaged liver and blood clots.

In a statement, Alton Towers said it was “deeply saddened” by the news, adding it would provide full support to all involved in the accident throughout their recovery and rehabilitation.

Merlin Entertainments said in a statement that it had carried out "a thorough review" of safety procedures, while the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors are still on site. As part of the ongoing investigation, the park’s X-Sector, which houses the Smiler as well as Enterprise and Oblivion, will remain closed until further notice. The park’s Spinball ride has also been closed at Alton Towers until enhanced safety protocols for the ride are implemented.

RELATED STORIES
  Alton Towers reopens after Smiler accident


Alton Towers has reopened six days after a horrific accident on the park’s Smiler left four people seriously injured.
  Four Merlin rollercoasters temporarily shut down after Alton Towers accident


Following the incident at Alton Towers, which saw a carriage full of people crash into an empty one on the Smiler, four rollercoasters operated by Merlin Entertainments at parks across the UK have been closed until further notice.
  Alton Towers to remain shut until cause of accident is determined, says Varney


Merlin Entertainments’ chief executive, Nick Varney, has said Alton Towers will remain closed until the cause of the Smiler accident that left 16 people injured has been determined.
  Alton Towers closes for internal investigation after Smiler crash seriously injures four


Four people have been seriously injured in a collision between two carriages on Alton Towers’ Smiler rollercoaster.
MORE NEWS
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
+ More news   

COMPANY PROFILES
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
LATEST ISSUES
+ View Magazine Archive

Attractions Management

2026 issue 1


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2025 issue 2


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2025 issue 1


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2024 issue 4


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management News

06 Apr 2020 issue 153


View on turning pages
Download PDF
View archive
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Handbook

2019


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026
Get Attractions Management digital magazine FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
17-year-old loses leg after Alton Towers accident
POSTED 09 Jun 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
Five were hospitalised following the coaster crash Credit: West Midlands Ambulance Service
A 17-year-old-girl – one of five hospitalised after the Smiler crash at Alton Towers – has had to have her leg amputated following the tragic accident on 2 June.

Leah Washington was sitting on the front row of the rollercoaster, which crashed into an empty carriage on the track. Leah had her left leg amputated above the knee and also sustained a fractured left hand.

18-year-old Joe Pugh, who was sitting next to Leah, is being treated for two broken knees and “extensive” hand injuries, while 20-year-old Vicky Balch is in a “serious but stable” condition after undergoing surgery. 27-year-old Daniel Thorpe is also in a “serious but stable” condition with a collapsed lung and a fractured leg, while 49-year-old Chanda Singh has had stomach surgery and is suffering from a damaged liver and blood clots.

In a statement, Alton Towers said it was “deeply saddened” by the news, adding it would provide full support to all involved in the accident throughout their recovery and rehabilitation.

Merlin Entertainments said in a statement that it had carried out "a thorough review" of safety procedures, while the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors are still on site. As part of the ongoing investigation, the park’s X-Sector, which houses the Smiler as well as Enterprise and Oblivion, will remain closed until further notice. The park’s Spinball ride has also been closed at Alton Towers until enhanced safety protocols for the ride are implemented.

RELATED STORIES
Alton Towers reopens after Smiler accident


Alton Towers has reopened six days after a horrific accident on the park’s Smiler left four people seriously injured.
Four Merlin rollercoasters temporarily shut down after Alton Towers accident


Following the incident at Alton Towers, which saw a carriage full of people crash into an empty one on the Smiler, four rollercoasters operated by Merlin Entertainments at parks across the UK have been closed until further notice.
Alton Towers to remain shut until cause of accident is determined, says Varney


Merlin Entertainments’ chief executive, Nick Varney, has said Alton Towers will remain closed until the cause of the Smiler accident that left 16 people injured has been determined.
Alton Towers closes for internal investigation after Smiler crash seriously injures four


Four people have been seriously injured in a collision between two carriages on Alton Towers’ Smiler rollercoaster.
MORE NEWS
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS