Alton Towers Smiler crash victims launch law suit

Two women who each lost a leg in the Alton Towers “Smiler” roller-coaster crash which led to “life-changing” injuries are suing the theme park’s owners for millions of pounds.

Leah Washington, 20, of Barnsley, and Vicky Balch, 23, had been in the front seats when they smashed into a stationary carriage.

Balch’s lawyers say her injuries were caused by the “negligence and/or breach of statutory duty” of Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd.

Her claim, lodged at the High Court this week, accuses the firm of: “Failing to take any or any adequate care to ensure the reasonable safety of the Claimant whilst on the Smiler.”

Experts believe Leah and Vicky could get around £2m each, according to The Mirror.

In 2016, Judge Michael Chambers QC described the events which caused the crash as a “catastrophic failure” as he handed down a £5m fine on Merlin.

He added: “This was a needless and avoidable accident in which those who were injured were lucky not to be killed.”

Balch’s claim states: “In his sentencing remarks, the judge said the accident was foreseeable and he was satisfied the Defendant fell far short of the appropriate standard….”

It accused the company of failing to train staff, undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment or “devise, implement and adequately manage” a system to deal with faults.

Paul Paxton of law firm Stewarts, said: “Our clients suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the accident. 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.”

Merlin 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.”

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