alton towers smiler crash victims

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 crash on the Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers that seriously injured five people was caused by human error, the theme park's owner has said. "The university is aware of the SU's initial investigations regarding this matter and its media statement issued today," it said. 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. Brave Leah Washington, 19, was among 16 hurt when their carriage ploughed into another broken down on the 18million Smiler ride. A couple seriously injured in a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers have announced their engagement. Another Twitter user posted a video appearing to show a third air ambulance arriving at the amusement park. An independent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into the accident is continuing. 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. They described the aftermath as being like something out of a "horror movie. By Martin Robinson, Uk Chief Reporter For Mailonline, Published: 05:33 EST, 26 September 2016 | Updated: 15:25 EST, 26 September 2016. Some of the passengers sustained life-changing injuries. Leah Washington told her 26,000 Instagram followers about the engagement, Joe Pugh, who was 19 when the crash happened, and Leah Washington, then 18, continued dating, 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. 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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. Dino also spoke to Mirror Online about their relationship and his role in keeping Vicky's spirits up. 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.". But Leah added: "Its not going to bring back my leg, its not going to bring back the life I had before. The victims of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash have been pictured together for the first time since the horrific incident. A spokesperson for Alton Towers said: "From the outset we have sought to provide assistance and support to those that were injured and their families. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? EXCLUSIVE: The two young women could get around 2million each, according to . Miss Balch has said she does not see the point in being angry about what happened. 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. Manufactured by Gerstlauer, it opened in 2013 as the world's first Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster. Alton Towers owner, Merlin Entertainments, saw its share price plunge when it emerged the Smiler had been involved in a collision. Something went wrong, please try again later. Leah Washington and her boyfriend Joe Pugh on The Smiler. Vicky was excited to speak about her wedding, saying: We are getting married in Italy, an intimate ceremony with friends and family. 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. Leah Washington, 19, from Barnsley, lost her leg along with another young passenger in the disaster. 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. "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.". Alton Towers' owner, Merlin Entertainments, saw its share price plunge when it emerged the Smiler had been involved in a collision. 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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. As of 1:30 p.m., all . Vicky was one of 16 injured when the Smiler ride hit an empty carriage on the tracks in June 2015. Passengers had to be cut free from wreckage and airlifted to hospital after carriage carrying 16 passengers collided with empty one. A law firm representing eight of those injured when two carriages of the Smiler ride crashed. 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