Alton Towers crash: Leah Washington recalls life-changing ordeal in 2015

In 2015, Leah Washington and Joe Pugh were involved in a serious rollercoaster accident at Alton Towers, where their carriage collided with a stationary car at approximately 50mph. The couple was trapped for four hours, during which Leah suffered severe injuries, including a severed artery, leading to the amputation of her left leg. Paramedics faced challenges in reaching them due to the height of the ride, requiring scaffolding to be built for the rescue. Leah was in critical condition, with medical teams flying in blood for her treatment while she remained on the ride. Joe sustained multiple injuries, including shattered kneecaps and finger injuries. The couple's ordeal highlighted significant health and safety failures, resulting in Alton Towers' owner, Merlin Attractions, being fined £5 million. Judge Michael Chambers QC described the incident as a 'catastrophic failure' of safety protocols. The couple later shared their experiences on the Tom's Talks Podcast, revealing that they were initially told by paramedics that it was unsafe to rescue them, which added to their distress during the ordeal. Despite the traumatic experience, Leah and Joe found strength in each other and eventually married at a country house hotel in Yorkshire. Their wedding was a celebration of resilience, as they reflected on their journey from the accident to their new life together. Leah has been vocal about her recovery on social media, inspiring others with her story. The couple's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in amusement parks and the need for immediate and effective emergency response protocols. Their journey from tragedy to triumph illustrates the power of love and support in overcoming life's challenges.