This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/alton-towers-crash-lawyers-say-the-smiler-ride-may-never-reopen-10334082.html

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Alton Towers crash: lawyers say the Smiler ride 'may never re-open' Alton Towers crash: lawyers say the Smiler ride 'may never re-open'
(7 months later)
Lawyers for the victims of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash have said the ride may never open again.Lawyers for the victims of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash have said the ride may never open again.
As the first insurance payments are made to victims, law firm Stewarts Law has said the ‘Smiler’ ride has been dogged by safety problems since it first opened in 2013.As the first insurance payments are made to victims, law firm Stewarts Law has said the ‘Smiler’ ride has been dogged by safety problems since it first opened in 2013.
The firm’s clients- Joe Pugh, Victoria Balch and Leah Washington- were seriously injured when the carriage they were in on the ride crashed into an empty safety carriage which was not been moved off the track. The firm’s clients- Joe Pugh, Victoria Balch and Leah Washington- were seriously injured when the carriage they were in on the ride crashed into an empty safety carriage which was not been moved off the track. 
Leah Washington, 17, had to have her leg amputated after the disaster and could receive millions in compensation.Leah Washington, 17, had to have her leg amputated after the disaster and could receive millions in compensation.
Her boyfriend Joe Pugh’s kneecaps were shattered in the collision and Victoria Balch underwent surgery for significant leg injuries.Her boyfriend Joe Pugh’s kneecaps were shattered in the collision and Victoria Balch underwent surgery for significant leg injuries.
17-year-old Leah Washington had her left leg amputated after last week's crash
The head of personal inquiry at the firm, Paul Paxton said he had had a meeting with the Health and Safety Executive: “The ride is likely to remain closed for a significant period of time; indeed it may never open again. The families are reassured that every angle is being thoroughly covered", according to Sky News.The head of personal inquiry at the firm, Paul Paxton said he had had a meeting with the Health and Safety Executive: “The ride is likely to remain closed for a significant period of time; indeed it may never open again. The families are reassured that every angle is being thoroughly covered", according to Sky News.
"The families are satisfied that no expense is being spared in the investigation into what caused the accident on the Smiler ride at Alton Towers. The Health and Safety Inspectorate made it clear that the requisite multidisciplinary expertise was in place.""The families are satisfied that no expense is being spared in the investigation into what caused the accident on the Smiler ride at Alton Towers. The Health and Safety Inspectorate made it clear that the requisite multidisciplinary expertise was in place."
Victoria Balch, 20, was one of four injured on the 'Smiler' ride on Tuesday afternoon    
The theme park was closed for six days after the crash on 2nd June.The theme park was closed for six days after the crash on 2nd June.
16 people were left suspended above the ground as emergency services tried to free them.16 people were left suspended above the ground as emergency services tried to free them.
One victim, Daniel Thorpe, suffered a broken leg and a punctured lung, according to his father.One victim, Daniel Thorpe, suffered a broken leg and a punctured lung, according to his father.
A spokeswoman for Alton Towers told the Independent they had “not had any discussions” about the future of the ride and they will wait until the results of the Health and Safety Executive.A spokeswoman for Alton Towers told the Independent they had “not had any discussions” about the future of the ride and they will wait until the results of the Health and Safety Executive.