Leah, whose case should be resolved next year, will need money for the rest of her life. Two women were transferred to the Royal Stoke University hospital and two men were taken to hospitals in Coventry and Warwickshire. Two teenagers involved in the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash were on their first official date, it emerged today. A carriage containing 16 passengers crashed into an empty train that had stopped midway around the 14-loop ride. Leah Washington and her boyfriend Joe . Artificial limbs can cost 80,000 each and need replacing every few years. Two people. 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. There were found to be no technical or mechanical problems with the ride itself.. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Merlin Entertainments said the ride. The website reads: Not for the faint-hearted, this new ride at Alton Towers features a series of twisted psychological effects including optical illusions, blinding lights and near misses designed to mess with your mind.. Joe Pugh, 18, a student at Huddersfield University, and his girlfriend Leah Washington were among the victims. Leah Washington and Joe Pugh were both teenagers riding the Smiler when it crashed in. Theres not a lot of people talking, he said. Read about our approach to external linking. Designer lookalike for a fraction of the cost. The women are suing Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd for negligence and or breach of statutory duty. Brave Leah Washington, 19, was Sixteen people were injured in the crash in June 2015, including Ms Washington and Vicky Balch, who both needed leg amputations. A woman who lost her leg in a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers has received a multi-million pound payout four years on. "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.". Leah Washington and Joe Pugh were both teenagers riding the Smiler when it crashed in 2015. Joe suffered shattered kneecaps in the accident. 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. Miss Balch, of Leyland, Lancashire, and Miss Washington, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, needed partial leg amputations after the crash. The beautician wore a gorgeous floor-length plunge white gown that was altered so she could comfortably walk down the aisle whilst using her prosthetic leg. Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. Four ambulances and four air ambulances attended the scene among 40 emergency vehicles in total after receiving a 999 call at 2.09pm. Witnesses described hearing a huge sound, like a car crash when the carriages came together on the Smiler attraction on Tuesday afternoon. Vicky Balch, 23, and Leah Washington, 20, were in the front seats of the. 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. The 26-year-old beautician, from Preston, Lancashire,married Dino Manciocchi, 27, in her hometown on Saturday in front of their friends and family, and the couple'sseven-month-old son Venanzio. The men and women, some of whom could have been killed, faced the theme park's bosses who were told they could face a 10million fine - plus compensation to its victims - for the disaster on June 2, 2015. 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. Two women who lost legs after a crash on a ride at Alton Towers are suing the park's owners, their lawyers have said. Emergency services eventually rescued 16 people trapped on the rollercoaster at a 45-degree angle. When I got the payout, it made me realise that I had to live with this disability for ever. 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'. Human error caused the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash in June that seriously injured five people, the Staffordshire theme park has said. Joe says: We had the attitude of were alive, but our parents told us we needed the money to set us up for the future., And on learning that his claim has been settled for a confidential amount of at least six figures, he said: Its a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, a lot of stress has been taken away and it feels like I can finally move on and get on with my life.. Leah Washington and Joe Pugh were both teenagers riding the Smiler when it crashed in. Miss Balch has said she does not see the point in being angry about what happened. Evidence: Vicky Balch and other victims lost significant amounts of blood - and she had to have her right leg amputated. By 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. 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. "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.". September 11, 2015, 1:35 AM. But Leah added: "Its not going to bring back my leg, its not going to bring back the life I had before. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 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. View our online Press Pack. 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. ", 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. For the latest news in and around Bristol, visit and bookmark Bristol Live's homepage. 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. 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 crash victim has collapsed lung and fractured leg Daniel Thorpe, 27, was named on social media by his father as having been in front row of Smiler ride when it collided with test. But Leah, from Barnsley, South Yorks., says she is still waiting for final damages to be paid out. We went halfway across the park and then we heard a big bang. A couple seriously injured in a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers have announced their engagement. Mr Antrobus turned to confer with Mr Varney before replying: 'No. Now Jeremy Hunt must give us a Budget to boost Britain, Leicester 'explosion': Listen to massive 'sonic' boom that shook homes and rattled windows. 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. Exact date yellow weather warning for snow and ice forecast to hit UK - will you be affected? I'm A Celebrity 2019: Fears show could be cancelled due to huge bush fires in Australia, Mum's 'life-changing' baby wipe hack is stunning parents, DWP: Every one-off payment the government is sending out this March, Eligible people are entitled to several grants and benefits this month, Primark's cross-body bags similar to 3.4k Dior version wowing savvy shoppers. 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.. Lawyer Paul Paxton said: "Our clients suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the accident. An Alton Towers spokesman confirmed a decision had been taken to keep the park closed, and said that guests with pre-booked tickets and those arriving at the theme park would have the choice of a . Merlin said it was "on standby to conclude settlement discussions on the outstanding claims as soon as they are ready". "The university is aware of the SU's initial investigations regarding this matter and its media statement issued today," it said. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. He said there appeared to have been problems with the ride on Tuesday morning. Witnesses describe passengers screaming for help from carriage suspended in mid-air after collision on theme parks Smiler attraction. Richardson said the first responders appeared to be more concerned with clearing people away from the ride than reaching the injured passengers. Tom Whelton, who was on the Smiler hours before the crash, said his carriage got stuck on the rollercoasters first hill. There were 'near gale' wind speeds of 46mph on day of crash - but Smiler should not run at more than 34mph. Vicky shared the happy news on social media in a post that read: 'Finally ready to introduce the newest member of our family Venanzio Joseph Manciocchi born 12/3/2021 after an emotional rollercoaster which ended in emergency C-Section and 3 nights in Neo-natal the family is finally home and ready to enjoy many memories @dinomanciocchi.'. Our concern is with and for them and for their safety, and all our thoughts and efforts are focused on them.. Another Twitter user posted a video appearing to show a third air ambulance arriving at the amusement park. 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. The court also heard engineers should have seen the empty carriage which was visible on CCTV cameras covering the track. The Staffordshire theme park owner has already admitted breaching the Health and Safety Act, and was fined 5m in September 2016. 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. ', 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. He added that there were 'various states of knowledge' of the fault alarm systems on the ride. 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. Joe Pugh has received his final settlement from the theme park while his girlfriend will have to wait until next year for her compensation. does not see the point in being angry about what happened. The Smiler is a steel roller coaster located at Alton Towers in Staffordshire, United Kingdom. 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. Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? I have to be careful with the money, I have to plan how much I need to keep away for later life and care.. Two women - Victoria Balch and Leah Washington - had. 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.". 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. 'A number of errors were made. Leahs blood pressure plunged so low it was unrecordable and she nearly died. The University of Nottingham students made the outfits for a bar crawl and posed in them for a student news site. Kaya Terry For Mailonline 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. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Leah was on a date with boyfriend Joe Pugh, 18, when the accident happened, The teen's left leg was so badly crushed doctors amputated it below the knee, Those on the ride suffered injuries all over their bodies - here a badly cut finger is stitched up, A bloodied finger is pictured here as victims suffered horrific injuries in the crash, Leah's leg was left badly crushed and doctors were forced to amputate below the knee, Leah was speaking to Channel 5's documentary Where Theres Blame, Theres a Claim, Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, which owns Alton Towers, reopened the Smiler rollercoaster after several months despite the horrific incident, Brave Leah said: 'I didnt think it would be as hard as it is. 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. I wanted to take her mind away from the case and put it in a nice place wedding prep and marriage. When the Smiler reopens, it will include new safety measures including additional CCTV cameras and an enhanced safety process requiring a senior member of staff to authorise the manual overrides that caused the Smiler crash. Leah Washington and her boyfriend Joe Pugh on The Smiler. The crash on the Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers that seriously injured five people was caused by human error, the theme parks owner has said. Alton Towers operator Merlin has been fined 5m for the crash on the Smiler rollercoaster. "Furthermore the company has regular direct contact with those seriously injured and continues to provide help and support wherever we can.". We are confident that lessons have been learned and that appropriate action has been taken to address all the issues raised by our investigation and we believe our core conclusions will be in line with the HSE findings., Paul Paxton, a partner at the law firm Stewarts Law, which is acting for Pugh, Washington and Balch, said it was too early to comment until the conclusion of the HSE investigation. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 'I had no idea he was going to propose and couldn't believe it when he asked me. 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. They could each receive "well in excess of 2m" in compensation if the High Court claim is successful. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? 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. Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Smiler crash, a rollercoaster collision which rocked the UK back in 2015.