Alton Towers crash: Second victim has leg amputated after seven surgeries

A second victim of the Alton Towers roller coaster crash has had to have her leg amputated

vicky-balch-alton-towers

by Fiona Day |
Published on

Two victims of the horrific Alton Towers roller coaster crash have now had to have their legs amputated as a result of their injuries.

Dancer Vicky Balch, 20, had her leg amputated from below the knee despite doctors attempts to save it.

After seven gruelling surgeries, doctors decided there was nothing they could do to save Vicky’s leg.

Vicky was sitting alongside fellow victim Leah Washington on the Smiler ride at the world famous theme park when it crashed into another carriage.

17-year-old Leah had to have her leg amputated from above the knee whilst her boyfriend Joe Pugh suffered from two broken legs.

Vicky bravely endured seven surgeries

Vicky’s lawyer told the BBC: "Vicky has had a long and incredibly painful fight to retain her leg. Regrettably, her bravery has not been rewarded.

"The step was taken to remove the leg following seven bouts of surgery. Further surgery will be required in the immediate future, which may involve a more acute amputation."

The student was at the park with boyfriend Daniel Thorpe, 27, when the crash occurred.

She previously said in an interview: The only thought that was going through my mind for the hours and hours that we were stuck was that we were going to die.

"If I was going to survive I would never walk again, that was certain.

"I thought it was never going to end.

"I just wanted to die."

All 16 of those injured on the ride are set to receive substantial compensation following the incident.

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