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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
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
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COMPANY PROFILES
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
Taylor Made Designs

Founded in 1993, Taylor Made Designs supply corporate clothing and brand-enhancing merchandise to [more...]
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CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ 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  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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