Reunited: The Four Victims Of Alton Towers’ 'The Smiler' Crash Pictured Together For First Time
The victims of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash have been pictured together for the first time since the horrific incident.
Leah Washington and her boyfriend Joe Pugh, both 18, joined Vicky Balch, 20, and her partner Daniel Thorpe, 28, at a ceremony to honour the firefighters who saved their lives.
The quartet were left seriously injured after two carriages from the £18 million ride crashed on June 2.
Leah, from Barnsley, Yorkshire, and Vicky, from Leyland, Lancashire, both had to have a leg amputated following the horror smash.
Their boyfriends Joe, also from Barnsley, and Daniel, from Buxton in Derbyshire, suffered serious leg injuries in the smash.
They were pictured together at Sandyford Community Fire Station in Staffordshire.
They were invited with their families to watch Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford present awards to 25 firefighters.
The firefighters were handed the Chief Fire Officer’s certificate of commendation which is the highest award.
It is given to staff who have placed their lives at reasonable risk whilst saving others or whose actions have saved lives.
Pictures released yesterday show the four victims smiling as they pose for snaps with the heroic firefighters.
Speaking after the ceremony, 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.”
Daniel Thorpe added: “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.”
The certificates of commendation were presented to firefighters from Leek, Stafford, Sandyford, Cheadle, Ipstones, Longton and Hanley.
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.”
Firefighter Helen Green, who received one of the awards, added: “It is a real honour and it has been lovely to see the casualties again and to know that they are all doing so well.
"The Alton Towers’ incident is one that will remain in all of our memories for a very long time, not only for the fact that it was such a complex rescue operation but also for the bravery and courage that Leah, Vicky, Joe and Daniel demonstrated during the incident itself and in the months that have followed.”
Firefighters worked with police and paramedics for over four-and-a-half hours to rescue the 16 casualties after the horror smash.
The emergency services had to build a scaffold tower after the crash left victims trapped 25ft off the ground at a 45 degree angle.
The rollercoaster was shut down after the crash which left a total of 16 people hurt.
Alton Towers was closed for five days in the aftermath and lawyers have said the four serious injured victims could receive millions of pounds in compensation.
(Pictures credited to News Team International)
