Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. There has been a series of incidents on the ride since it opened in May 2013. Human error caused the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash in June that seriously injured five people, the Staffordshire theme park has said. At least 16 were injured and five people were seriously hurt when it smashed into a broken down carriage after a series of blunders. Vicky was excited to speak about her wedding, saying: We are getting married in Italy, an intimate ceremony with friends and family. Nicholas Varney, 53, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, and Alton Towers divisional director Ian Crabbe attended court. 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. Emergency services eventually rescued 16 people trapped on the rollercoaster at a 45-degree angle. Alton Towers operator Merlin was fined 5m after admitting breaching the Health and Safety Act. 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. She received thousands of likes and wrote: "So this happened yesterday I SAID YES. "Regrettably, where such serious injuries are sustained, it can take many years before the extent of losses can be established.". No amount will give me my leg back or the life I would have had.. Update 26 October 2016: This report has been amended after The Tab said it had incorrectly reported the students were dressed as Smiler victims with "fake amputated legs". Exact date yellow weather warning for snow and ice forecast to hit UK - will you be affected? It has taken full responsibility for the incident and continues to co-operate with the ongoing Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation. The victims screamed for help as they were left suspended in mid-air on the ride, which can reach speeds of up to 50mph, for several hours. 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.'. The Staffordshire theme park owner has already admitted breaching the Health and Safety Act, and was fined 5m in September 2016. "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. 'There was no single member of technical service staff in control,' Mr Thorogood said. 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. Theres not a lot of people talking, he said. She captioned apicture of the pair: ''Can't believe my best friend asked me to marry him on Friday. '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. 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. 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. Interim payments have since been paid to cover Leah's medical and physio bills to date, but the full compensation figure is still being assessed. 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. Alton Towers rollercoaster crash victims get first payout - BBC News Uk | HuffPost UK Stock in the FTSE-100 firm dropped 3.46% to 444.3p a share after opening this morning at 462.6p a share. Good luck to all the teenagers involved. September 11, 2015, 1:35 AM. An arctic maritime airmass will sweep across the UK from Monday, Harry Potter star supports JK Rowling and wishes people would 'just listen', Evanna Lynch, who is best known for her role as Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter, has defended the author JK Rowling following her controversial comments in 2020, National Lottery results draw LIVE: Winning Lotto numbers on Saturday, March 4, Child Benefit payments to increase from next month - here are the new weekly rates and all the details. Stock in the FTSE-100 firm dropped 3.46% to 444.3p a share after opening this morning at 462.6p a share. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Leah Washington (left) and Vicky Balch were both badly injured on the ride. The University of Nottingham Students' Union said the costume was "in no way intended to reference the tragedy". Merlin Entertainments said the ride. Alton Towers, in Staffordshire, which is owned by Merlin Entertainments, was fined 5million over the Smiler crash in 2015. 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.". Vicky Balch, 23, and Leah Washington, 20, were in the front seats of the Smiler ride which rammed into a stationary carriage in June 2015. I hope I get it right. Two women who lost legs after a crash on a ride at Alton Towers are suing the park's owners, their lawyers have said. Others hurt included Vicky Balch, 20, from Lancashire, who had six rounds of surgery in a bid to save her leg before needing an amputation. Judge says disaster aggravated by difficulties emergency services had getting to victims left in mangled ride for almost four hours, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' Alton Towers owner Merlin Entertainments said: "We are pleased to have reached a settlement with Vicky and we wish her the very best for her wedding. But Leah added: "Its not going to bring back my leg, its not going to bring back the life I had before. Both have been undergoing rehabilitation for their injuries. Email us attips@the-sun.co.ukor call 0207 782 4368, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Experts reckon the final figure could run into millions. Other rides at Alton Towers were shut down. Witnesses posted pictures of the aftermath of the collision as people were evacuated from the rollercoaster. 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. The women are suing Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd for negligence and or breach of statutory duty. News & Announcements Loudoun County, VA CivicEngage However due to the complex nature of Vickys case, it was not possible to reach a settlement until now. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? 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. But that money doesnt go to the victims so Leah and Joe have been mounting a substantial compensation claim. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. She told ITV: Id like it to be, but I know thats not realistic because it was a big attraction for the company. A couple seriously injured in a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers have announced their engagement. "In the meantime, interim payments and other support have been provided to aid Vickys rehabilitation.". The accident in June 2015 was put down to human error and Alton Towers owner Merlin Attractions was fined 5million for health and safety breaches. An independent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive is ongoing. Leah Washington and Joe Pugh were both teenagers riding the Smiler when it crashed in 2015. The investigation also identified areas where protocols and the training of employees should be improved. Box 7200, Leesburg, VA 20177 Read about our approach to external linking. It was never going to be easy. pic.twitter.com/6torYa0DzW. She has described the "stressful and depressing" journey to get compensation but is now focusing on planning her wedding. The court heard Varney, a father-of-four, took home a 733,000 pay packet in the same year as the Smiler crash. Each of the top of the range legs with a microprocessor knee joint can cost up to 80,000 and last about eight years. 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. A carriage containing 16 passengers crashed into an empty train that had stopped midway around the 14-loop ride. The Smiler - Wikipedia The dress helped me decide on a theme its very fairytale. Alton Towers Smiler crash victims Vicky Balch and Leah - mirror Mr Antrobus turned to confer with Mr Varney before replying: 'No. 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. Loudoun County Sheriff's Office 803 Sycolin Road SE Leesburg, VA 20175 Phone: 703-777-0407 Fax: 703-771-5744 Mailing Address P.O. Alton Towers Smiler crash: Amputation a 'relief' says victim 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.. 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. Joe suffered shattered kneecaps in the accident. Leah Washington and her boyfriend Joe . 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'. #altontowers For saying it's only technical issues, this is the third air ambulance to land.. Oh dear Alton Towers. He said: I just wanted to be there for her, taking her mind off things. 'The problem was that the head-wind which that train could not overcome. ITV Dancing On Ice's Christopher Dean issues Jayne Torvill health announcement. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. does not see the point in being angry about what happened. Merlin Entertainments said the ride would reopen next year after being closed since the crash in June. Designer lookalike for a fraction of the cost. "Whilst money cannot make up for what they have endured over the past three years, financial security can at least help the victims to lead a full and active life. However, he added that although there had been 'a number of human errors', the 'fault here is with the employers', and not individuals. They are my everything.'. Leah Washington said:Merlin have looked after me and my family so well! Judge Michael Chambers QC described the accident as a "catastrophic failure" and said it was entirely avoidable. Later in the day we ate lunch and that was when the incident occurred.. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? But Leah, from Barnsley, South Yorks., says she is still waiting for final damages to be paid out. The Smiler rollercoaster has been closed since June last year after a crash injured 16 people. Vicky Balch, then 19, and Leah Washington, then 17, were. The theme park's operator Merlin has been warned to expect a 'very large fine' for health and safety breaches. Anna Wiseman, Senior Associate at Stewarts who represented Vicky Balch in the legal claim said: No amount of money will ever be able to replace what Vicky has lost. Me, Dinos mum and my best friends ended up crying. An independent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into the accident is continuing. Read about our approach to external linking. What science tells us about the afterlife. He said there appeared to have been problems with the ride on Tuesday morning. Do you know this baby? Joe Pugh has received his final settlement from the theme park while his girlfriend will have to wait until next year for her compensation. In its investigation, the safety watchdog found that a 'near-gale' may have been to blame for the empty carriage failing to clear the Cobra Loop in the first place, following an early problem with one of the ride's lifts. "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.". For the latest news in and around Bristol, visit and bookmark Bristol Live's homepage. As of 1:30 p.m., all . Kaya Terry For Mailonline 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. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Tanker with 8,000 gallons of fuel overturns on Route 7 in Ashburn, all By 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. 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. After an investigation, authorities arrested Rogel Hernandez-Reyes, a 27-year-old man from Maryland. Read about our approach to external linking. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. ", 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, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Inside the enclave surrounded by pro-Russia forces, China looks at reforms to deepen Xi's control, 'The nurses wanted me to feel guilty about my abortion, From Afghan TV fame to a US factory floor. 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. 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. Alton Towers remains closed for third day as health and safety In November 2013, guide wheels fell off the ride and hit four people in the front carriage, once again forcing it to close. Crash takes out Sterling, Va. traffic signal pole, closes Route 7 Alton Towers Smiler ride crash victims sue park's owners She said she is now having to opt for a "less demanding" career. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, US pours cold water on Poland's 'untenable' offer to hand over all their MIG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine: Pentagon risks rift within NATO and 'raises serious war concerns for alliance' in the face-off with Putin, US officials fear 'desperate' Putin could use a tactical nuke on a Ukrainian city in effort to win floundering war because he 'cannot afford to lose':Kremlin officials 'privately denounce' despot's 'clusterf**k invasion', Pictured: Much-loved mother, son, 18, and daughter, nine, who were all wiped out by Putin's bombs as they tried to flee city of Irpin during sham 'ceasefire' in photo that sickened the world, 'I am against this war with every fibre of my soul': Top Bolshoi prima ballerina says she is 'ashamed' of Russia as she hits out at Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin's invasion is crumbling: Tanks stuck in the mud and fighters weak in the air A look at how the war has so far unfolded for Russia's 'demoralized' troops, Is this Putin's secret superyacht? Couple injured in Alton Towers Smiler crash to marry - BBC News Kaya Terry For Mailonline, New heartbreak for Alton Towers Smiler crash survivor Vicky Balch as coronavirus forces her to postpone the dream Italian wedding she funded from her compensation payout after losing her leg, Alton Towers amputee, 25, announces she is expecting a baby with her fiance five years after losing her leg in rollercoaster disaster, Alton Towers amputee Vicky Balch, 25, gives birth to baby boy called Venanzio six years after she lost her leg in horrific Smiler ride accident at theme park, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' I had to think about the help Id need, even at the end of my life. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. The comments below have been moderated in advance. 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. After that, we didnt really know what it was, then it started filtering through that something bad had happened. Alton Towers Smiler ride crash due to 'human error' - BBC News The Staffordshire theme park owner has already admitted breaching the Health and Safety Act, and was fined 5m in September 2016. I wanted to take her mind away from the case and put it in a nice place wedding prep and marriage. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. He said settlements relied on receiving certain information from claimants, and Merlin had "provided appropriate support including interim payments while the assessments continue". The four most seriously injured were rescued first. Leah Washington and Joe Pugh were both teenagers riding the Smiler when it crashed in. She sometimes says thanks when I dont even notice Ive done anything extra. as being like something out of a "horror movie. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. But at least now I can live my life. Theres ups and downs in any relationship and this makes ours a bit more complicated. Lawyer Paul Paxton said: "Our clients suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the accident. Leah Washington and Joe Pugh were both teenagers riding the Smiler when it crashed in. Engineers then overrode a fault which had been detected by the computer system andsent the ride crashing into an empty carriage with the force of a '90mph car crash'. EXCLUSIVE: The two young women could get around 2million each, according to . They described the aftermath as being like something out of a "horror movie. "There are lots of meetings and specialists you have to see. as being like something out of a "horror movie. Leah Washington and Joe Pugh, who were in the front row, are circled, 'We will not give up. ", 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. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Their front carriage on The Smiler rollercoaster hit a broken-down carriage on the track with the force of a 90 mph car crash. Leahs mum Louise says: We cant afford the legs. Balch, who also lost a leg in the incident, has previously said she wanted the ride to shut for good. Merlin Entertainments said: Alton Towers continues to provide help and support to all of those who were on the ride when the incident happened. Alton Towers Smiler Victims Pictured Together For The First Time Since Crash; Modern World Driving Children to Despair. Two women - Victoria Balch and Leah Washington - had. [3] This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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.". Aerial footage from the scene of a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers amusement park. Daniel Thorpe, 27, from Buxton in Derbyshire, was treated for a collapsed lung and lower leg injuries. ", Harry: I always felt different to rest of family, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, Mbappe breaks PSG goal record in win over Nantes, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61. ", Joe wrote on his Instagram page "What a great end to a long weekend in Venice SHE SAID YES". The students have apologised for causing any offence, Joe Pugh (second from right) and his girlfriend Leah Washington (second from left) have both tweeted about the fancy dress outfits, Leah Washington, whose leg was amputated, tweeted at the same time as her boyfriend Joe Pugh, The students wore homemade rollercoaster seats strapped to their backs, Alton Towers operator Merlin was fined 5m, 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. Dino, a pizza company owner, had laid rose petals and heart shaped balloons on the bed before popping the question. Im always aching.". In an interview in August, Washington described the blur of waking up in hospital and being told her left leg had been amputated and that it still had not sunk in. 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. 'A number of errors were made. 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. Smiler crash: Alton Towers operator Merlin fined 5m - BBC News Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Ive got my wedding dress. Leah Washington and her boyfriend Joe Pugh on The Smiler. Dino also spoke to Mirror Online about their relationship and his role in keeping Vicky's spirits up. Im slowly getting that back, but life is never going to be the same as it used to be.. Miss Balch has said she does not see the point in being angry about what happened. He said: 'Passengers were held for some time at that very difficult angle.'. Leah was on a date with boyfriend Joe Pugh, 18, when the accident happened. ITV Dancing On Ice judge Christopher announced Jayne is out of surgery - and it was a success. What science tells us about the afterlife. Mum in hysterics after son's Christening banner is taken 'too literally', "All of my family and friends were just in stitches", Jet2 announces new Bristol Airport destination to Greece ahead of 'busiest summer yet', It's expecting its "biggest ever summer operation" in Bristol, Police appeal for help in finding missing Bristol teen. Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. "Those individuals who have not yet settled their claims have received significant interim payments. 2023 BBC. ASHBURN, Va. (7News) A tractor-trailer carrying 8,000 gallons of fuel overturned on Route 7 in Loudoun County early Wednesday morning, causing significant traffic delays. 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. But we support each other. "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.". 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. Im not independent any more at all. 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. Mr Thorogood said engineers, responding to a fault, were 'without guidance from above', and had not been given a system to follow to safely deal with the problem on the track. This is the horrifying momentThe Smiler crashedat Alton Towers leaving 16 injured including two young women who later had legs amputated in the worst British rollercoaster crash for years. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Miss Balch has said she does not see the point in being angry about what happened. CCTV shows horrific moment Alton Towers ride carriages smash into each other 'like 90mph car crash', Alton Towers Smiler crash victims pay tribute to Drayton Manor schoolgirl, Watch: Delighted passengers queue to go on The Smiler as it reopens, BBC Breakfast star Charlie Stayt halts show to warn Lenny Henry 'you shouldn't say that', Charlie was hosting BBC Breakfast on Thursday - but warned Lenny: "You really shouldn't say that. Vicky later gave birth to the couple's first child Venanzio back in Marchthrough an emergency C-Section. Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? It really was shocking. 'There was nobody, no individual who had to sign off and take responsibility for that event. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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.