Alton Towers Smiler Crash- Leah Washington, 17, Has Leg Amputated

A 17-year-old girl injured in a rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers has had her leg amputated, it has emerged.

Leah Washington was on the front row of the Smiler ride, which crashed into an empty carriage in front of it.

Three others who were also in the front row sustained serious leg injuries, while a fifth person is being treated for internal injuries.

The theme park reopened earlier, six days after the crash, but the ride remains closed.

Ms Washington’s father, David Washington, from Barnsley, said: “Leah has suffered a life-changing injury and now has many months of rehabilitation ahead of her.

“We have done this to put people’s minds at rest and we would also ask everyone to respect Leah’s privacy as she undergoes this rehabilitation.”

Her leg was amputated above the left knee and she also suffered a fractured left hand.

Alton Towers said it was “deeply saddened” by the news, adding that it will “provide full support to all of those involved now, and throughout their recovery and rehabilitation”.

Ms Washington’s boyfriend, 18-year-old Joe Pugh from Barnsley, also remains at Royal Stoke Hospital where he is being treated for two broken knees and “extensive” hand injuries, a hospital spokesperson said.

Vicky Balch, from Leyland in Lancashire, who turned 20 while in Royal Stoke Hospital has undergone surgery and is in a “serious but stable” condition, according to her family.

Daniel Thorpe, 27, from Buxton, Derbyshire, was treated at University Hospital Coventry for a collapsed lung and a fractured leg. His condition is described as “serious but stable”.

Chanda Singh, 49, from Wednesbury in the Black Country, who was sitting in the second row of the Smiler, was admitted to Walsall Manor Hospital with internal injuries.

She had surgery to her stomach, and has a damaged liver and blood clots, her daughter said.

Owners Merlin Entertainments said it had carried out “a thorough review” of safety procedures.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors have also been on site.