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The Recorder of Stafford, Judge Michael Chambers QC, is set to hear evidence of the HSE's investigation into the crash, and mitigation from Merlin, before passing sentence. 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. Aerial footage from the scene of a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers amusement park. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 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. Chanda Chauhan, 49, from Wednesbury, had surgery after suffering internal injuries. "I spent the next two days just sighing with relief. Everything has to be planned out. Theres ups and downs in any relationship and this makes ours a bit more complicated. 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. 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. A VICTIM of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash told how she's living in agony and has been left constantly aching two years on from losing a leg in the smash. 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. But we support each other. 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. 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. Leah Washington and Joe Pugh were both teenagers riding the Smiler when it crashed in. Tanker with 8,000 gallons of fuel overturns on Route 7 in Ashburn, all Two women who lost legs after a crash on a ride at Alton Towers are suing the park's owners, their lawyers have said. Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The pair announced their engagement two years ago onInstagram. Mr Thorogood said some victims described the angle as 45 degrees, but accepted this was disputed. Its been four-and-a-half years. There has been a series of incidents on the ride since it opened in May 2013. The pair tied the knot in front of 50 guests and Vicky's father walked her down the aisle. The victims of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash have been pictured together for the first time since the horrific incident. The dress helped me decide on a theme its very fairytale. Its entirely possible that Leahs claim will run into millions., And Leah says: You cant put a price on losing a limb. 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. He said: 'Passengers were held for some time at that very difficult angle.'. ", 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. The collision on the two-year-old attraction occurred when one carriage containing 16 visitors collided with an empty one on a low section of the track. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? We went halfway across the park and then we heard a big bang. Witnesses describe passengers screaming for help from carriage suspended in mid-air after collision on theme parks Smiler attraction. She told the Sunday Mirror: 'It will be very emotional and there will be lots of tears. The Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers. Im slowly getting that back, but life is never going to be the same as it used to be.. 'A number of errors were made. Read about our approach to external linking. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? 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. She said she is now having to opt for a "less demanding" career. Students who dressed up as a rollercoaster and called themselves the "7 legless" have apologised to victims of the Alton Towers crash. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Lawyer Paul Paxton said: "Our clients suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the accident. By Workers at Italian shipyard believe mystery $700M vessel under extreme privacy measures has 'ties to the Russian leader' after European authorities raced to seize other ships owned by oligarchs in his inner circle. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Its not really a life, but it's something I'll have to live with.". Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk, Alton Towers crash victims sue 'for 2m', 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. They described the aftermath as being like something out of a "horror movie. 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The pair then began planning their special day and Vicky admitted she would be using the payout money to fund her dream wedding. as being like something out of a "horror movie. The court also heard engineers should have seen the empty carriage which was visible on CCTV cameras covering the track. 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!' What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? The pair both feature in a new Channel 5 series, Where Theres Blame Theres A Claim, which examines compensation cases. Merlin said it was "on standby to conclude settlement discussions on the outstanding claims as soon as they are ready". Four ambulances and four air ambulances attended the scene among 40 emergency vehicles in total after receiving a 999 call at 2.09pm. What science tells us about the afterlife. Something went wrong, please try again later. Credit: ITV News Central. Two women were transferred to the Royal Stoke University hospital and two men were taken to hospitals in Coventry and Warwickshire. ', 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. Two teenagers involved in the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash were on their first official date, it emerged today. 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. Vicky Balch, 23, and Leah Washington, 20, were in the front seats of the. Im not independent any more at all. Passengers were left trapped more than 20 feet from the ground at an angle of about 45 degrees before they were eventually freed by emergency workers and stretchered away. 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 18m Smiler ride, described as the worlds first 14-looping rollercoaster on its official website, opened in May 2013. 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Merlin Entertainments said: Alton Towers continues to provide help and support to all of those who were on the ride when the incident happened. Some people said they had experienced problems on the ride just hours before the crash. Alton Towers has confirmed its flagship roller coaster the Smiler will . Experts reckon the final figure could run into millions. Alton Towers owners, Merlin, admitted being at fault and a 5 million fine was imposed by the courts. Alton Towers victim Leah Washington shares pictures of her horror "From the outset we have engaged fully at all times to resolve all the claims as quickly as possible. Leigh Curtis, who was sitting in a nearby bar when the accident happened, described quite an eerie feel in the aftermath of the collision. 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. Lawyer Paul Paxton said: "Our clients suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the accident. Miss Balch has said she does not see the point in being angry about what happened. 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. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Putting names to archive photos, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, In photos: India's disappearing single-screen cinemas. pic.twitter.com/6torYa0DzW. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Its affected literally every aspect of my life. 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. 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.". I was told the average life expectancy of someone with an amputation. At the beginning of Monday's hearing, Judge Chambers said: 'One of the features is not just the impact on those injured, but on those close to them.'. 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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. Passengers had to be cut free from wreckage and airlifted to hospital after carriage carrying 16 passengers collided with empty one. 'I had no idea he was going to propose and couldn't believe it when he asked me. Alton Towers Smiler crash: Victims' disgust at fancy dress 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". Read about our approach to external linking. 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"Vickys determination, courage and excellent approach to the tough challenges she has faced since the accident has been inspiring, she has a fantastic nature and with her forthcoming wedding is proof that life goes on after serious injury.. Alton Towers, in Staffordshire, which is owned by Merlin Entertainments, was fined 5million over the Smiler crash in 2015. Blood everywhere. Vicky later gave birth to the couple's first child Venanzio back in Marchthrough an emergency C-Section. Leah's leg was later amputated and Joe had shattered knees. Alton Towers Smiler crash victim Vicky Balch weds fiance six years Something went wrong, please try again later. Its all to go on treatment. "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.". None of the rollercoaster's four key engineers 'had the full picture or understanding of conditions on the ride' - and may not have all read the instruction manual. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 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.. 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. Daniel Thorpe, 27, from Buxton in Derbyshire, was treated for a collapsed lung and lower leg injuries. But Leah added: "Its not going to bring back my leg, its not going to bring back the life I had before. Disgusting.". Alton Towers: four rollercoaster crash victims in hospital It faces a multi-million pound fine and potentially millions more in compensation claims from the victims following a Health and Safety Executive prosecution. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Vicky was excited to speak about her wedding, saying: We are getting married in Italy, an intimate ceremony with friends and family. 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.. Alton Towers remains closed for third day as health and safety 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. Leah Washington, 19, from Barnsley, lost her leg along with another young passenger in the disaster. 2023 BBC. Read about our approach to external linking. The court heard Varney, a father-of-four, took home a 733,000 pay packet in the same year as the Smiler crash. An investigation found an engineer had wrongly restarted the Smiler ride while a stationary carriage was on the track in front of it. 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. The photos were taken by a reporter from student news site The Tab during a bar crawl called the "7 Legged" on Monday night. "Those individuals who have not yet settled their claims have received significant interim payments. 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. What science tells us about the afterlife. Leah, 17 had just left school and had only been going out with Joe, 18, for four days when they had a day out at the Staffordshire theme park two years ago. Leah and Vicky Balch, of Leyland, Lancashire, who also lost a leg as a result of the crash, later announced they were suing Merlin for negligence and or breach of statutory duty. Stock in the FTSE-100 firm dropped 3.46% to 444.3p a share. "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. Alton Towers operator Merlin has been fined 5m for the crash on the Smiler rollercoaster. 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. It was never going to be easy. Me, Dinos mum and my best friends ended up crying. The latest on the Smiler roller coaster crash at Alton Towers A court hearing in April this year was told Merlin had conducted an internal investigation following the incident, which established that a worker manually 'overrode' the ride's governing computer system. Joe Pugh, from Barnsley in South Yorkshire tweeted: "How awful and disrespectful can people get? Speaking to Mirror Online, she said: Its hard being asked how many children you want, thinking about whether youll be able to use a prosthetic when youre older, when youll be in a wheelchair. By does not see the point in being angry about what happened. ", Joe wrote on his Instagram page "What a great end to a long weekend in Venice SHE SAID YES". The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. I kept saying to Dino, Its over, I cant believe its all over.. Beautician Vicky Balch was one of 16 people injured when an empty. She continued: When I said Id accept, it was such a massive weight lifted. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? 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. 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. Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, which owns and operates the Alton Towers theme park, previously admitted a breach of health and safety rules over the incident. After an investigation, authorities arrested Rogel Hernandez-Reyes, a 27-year-old man from Maryland. But Leah, from Barnsley, South Yorks., says she is still waiting for final damages to be paid out. ITV Dancing On Ice's Christopher Dean issues Jayne Torvill health announcement. No amount will give me my leg back or the life I would have had.. The engineers had re-set the ride and overridden a computer system 'block-stop' which they believed had halted the ride in error, sending a full 16-seater rollercoaster car around the track and into the empty carriage. Ben Richardson, who posted pictures on Twitter of the crashed rollercoaster, told the BBC the collision sounded like car crash it was very full on. Alton Towers Smiler ride crash caused by human error, theme park says 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. 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. I want lots of candles and fairylights.. 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. Aaron Rodgers is snapped looking cozy with ex-fiance Shailene Woodley as they touch down in Palm Beach on private jet after he confirmed he'll remain with Packers but denies $200m contract, Attorney for Astroworld victims accuses Travis Scott of 'trying to sway potential jurors with good guy act' as rapper launches $5M charity initiative but is being sued for BILLIONS over deadly concert stampede that killed 10, Liberal University of Virginia student, 22, slams negative college experience defined by 'ideological conformity' and claims she and others self-censor in classrooms to avoid low grades and backlash from peers, REVEALED: J&J funded 1971 study where ASBESTOS was injected into mostly black inmates who were paid as little as $10 each by 'monster' doctor researching effects on skin.