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A terrifying rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers that left a couple seriously injured has been likened to hitting a car at 90mph. Leah Washington-Pugh and Joe Pugh, who were on a date at the time, suffered life-changing injuries when their carriage crashed into another at the Staffordshire theme park a decade ago. Leah’s left leg was crushed, leading to amputation above the knee, while Joe’s kneecaps were shattered and some fingers severed in the collision.
The incident, which occurred on 2 June 2015, resulted in operator Merlin being fined £5m and compensation being paid to the 16 victims. Speaking through their legal representatives, Leah and Joe acknowledged the dark times they had gone through but expressed that they had come a long way since the crash. They recounted how they had eagerly headed to the ride as soon as they entered the park, despite technical delays. The couple described the crash as the equivalent of a high-speed car collision, with Leah losing significant amounts of blood and Joe sustaining serious injuries.
Following their harrowing ordeal, Leah spent five days in intensive care and was hospitalized for eight weeks. Adjusting to life post-crash was challenging for the couple, as they worked on rebuilding their lives and relationship. They emphasized the importance of supporting each other through recovery, noting that their friendship and love had been crucial in overcoming the traumatic experience. Fast forward to the present, Leah and Joe are happily married and cherishing their life together.
The devastating incident drew global attention, with industry experts describing it as unprecedented and shocking. Vicky Balch, another survivor of the crash, also underwent a partial leg amputation. The operator of the rollercoaster, Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, admitted breaches of the Health and Safety Act, leading to a hefty fine. Despite the tragedy, improvements in ride safety regulations have been implemented, with visual checks and extensive safety measures in place to prevent similar accidents.
Reflecting on the 10-year anniversary of the crash, Leah emphasized the importance of embracing life and finding positivity in challenging situations. The couple has decided to host a charity ball in support of air ambulance services and a foundation aiding limb-different children. While the events of 2015 were tragic, Leah acknowledged that they had also brought newfound happiness and experiences into their lives that they would never have otherwise had
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