New image shows horror of Smiler crash at Alton Towers
Dramatic pictures of the rescue following the Smiler rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers have been released for the first time by fire chiefs – as they described the incident as one of the most challenging they had ever faced.
Four people were badly injured when a carriage on the Smiler ride hit an empty one last month and 12 others were trapped for several hours as emergency services attempted to rescue them. Now Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has released previously unseen photos showing the crash scene from the firefighters' perspective.
This picture shows the scale of the June 2 rescue – more than 30 firefighters worked alongside ambulance crews and engineers. It took four hours to free the last passengers.
Incident commander Dale Harrison, who has 21 years' experience, was in charge on the day of the crash. He said he had told the fire crews beforehand that the rescue was probably going to be the most technical one they would ever carry out in their careers. Mr Harrison said: "The rescue for me, after 21 years in the service, was probably my most challenging rescue that I've ever carried out."
Leah Washington, aged 18, of Barnsley and Vicky Balch, 20, of Lancashire, each had to have a leg amputated. Last night, Leah posted an online picture of herself and boyfriend Joe Pugh, who was also injured, along with the caption '18th birthday'.
