Alton Towers Smiler ride victims meet 'amazing' rescuers at ceremony
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Version 0 of 1. Victims of the Alton Towers roller-coaster crash have praised their “amazing” rescuers at an awards ceremony, in which 25 firefighters were awarded a top service honour for their bravery. Leah Washington was one of four people on the front of the Smiler ride when it crashed into an empty carriage earlier this year.The 18-year-old, who had to have her leg amputated, said rescuers from Staffordshire fire and rescue service thoroughly deserved the honour. Related: Alton Towers crash victim has collapsed lung and fractured leg Twenty-five firefighters from seven stations were given the chief fire officer’s certificate of commendation for risking their own lives to save the victims of the crash on 2 June. Washington, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, 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.” Washington was at the ceremony with her boyfriend, Joe Pugh, 18, as was Vicky Balch, and her partner, Daniel Thorpe. All four were seriously injured in the incident. Balch, 22, also needed to have her leg amputated due to the severity of her injuries. Emergency services worked 30ft off the ground for hours to free them from the front of the carriage, and managed to successfully recover another 12 passengers. Thorpe, from Buxton in Derbyshire, said: “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.” 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.” He added: “As chief fire officer I am extremely proud of the professionalism and sensitivity that our firefighters showed throughout the entire rescue operation and in the aftermath the incident. “I can’t think of a more deserving team of people to be awarded a certificate of commendation.” |