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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.
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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
OMA completes New Museum transformation with landmark expansion and Oberon restaurant
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance, hospitality and public programming.
David Rockwell creates immersive magic destination, The Hand and The Eye
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and private membership under one roof.
Montana Heritage Center opens with immersive exhibits and US$107 million investment
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
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COMPANY PROFILES
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
Clip 'n Climb

Clip ‘n Climb currently offers facility owners and investors more than 40 colourful and unique Cha [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

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+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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