Alton Towers Smiler crash victims pictured together for first time

The four victims of the Alton Towers Smiler rollercoaster crash have been pictured together for the first time since the incident.

Leah Washington, 18, her boyfriend Joe Pugh, 18, Vicky Balch, 20, and her partner Daniel Thorpe, 27, attended a ceremony to honour the firefighters that rescued them.

See also: 'Human error' may have caused Alton Towers Smiler crash

See also: Alton Towers crash victims receive first payouts

Leah, from Yorkshire, and Vicky, from Lancashire, both had to have a leg amputated after the horrifying crash on 2 June, which also saw their boyfriends suffer serious leg injuries.

The group and their families went to watch Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford present awards to 25 firefighters.

The certificate is the highest commendation award by the Chief Fire Officer and is given to people who have placed their lives at reasonable risk whilst saving others or whose actions have saved lives.

According to the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Leah said: "The crews have been amazing, they were really caring at the time and also visited me in hospital afterwards which was lovely of them.

"They have talked me through what happened and what they did which was really helpful. I was really happy when I heard that they were going to be honoured for what they did to help us, they really deserve the award."

And Daniel said: "I'm really pleased that all of the firefighters that helped to release us from the ride have received this award. They were extremely professional throughout the rescue and even their presence was a huge comfort during a traumatic time.

"They have been really helpful following the incident, filling in the gaps about things that we don't remember. Having a clearer picture of the events has made it a lot easier to cope with. I can't thank them enough for everything they have done."

It took firefighters and police four and a half hours to get the victims down from the crash.

Two carriages had collided on the ride - one was empty while there were 16 guests on the other. The carriages were suspended within a dip at a 45 degree angle, approximately eight metres from the ground.

There were four serious casualties located at the front of the ride and a further 12 passengers in the rows behind.

Due to the nature of the passengers' injuries and the challenges caused by the ride's position, crews worked tirelessly to complete the operation.

Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said: "The crews that dealt with the incident at Alton Towers did an absolutely amazing job in incredibly challenging circumstances.

"Their priority was to safely release the casualties as quickly as possible without adding to their injuries.

"The firefighters worked closely with colleagues from Alton Towers and West Midlands Ambulance Service to achieve this aim."


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