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Incident on The Smiler 02/06/2015

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The brother of Leah Washington who unfortunately had her leg amputated above the knee will be 'exclusively' (apparently) on BBC Radio WM this morning before 9am if anyone is interested. The link to the radio online is here where you should be able to listen live: http://www.bbc.co.uk/wm

Not sure exactly what time it will be on.

Edit - If you're in the West Midlands and listening on the radio on the way to work etc it's 95.6FM. It may give a little insight into how it has affected the family and maybe how Merlin has dealt with them so far. Who knows? Hopefully you'll be able to 'Listen again' online on the website, or some wizard will be able to record it and upload it later on.
 
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Was this stall, and previous ones, a result of the trims on the air hill before the batwing?
 
BarryZola said:
The brother of Leah Washington who unfortunately had her leg amputated above the knee will be 'exclusively' (apparently) on BBC Radio WM this morning before 9am if anyone is interested. The link to the radio online is here where you should be able to listen live: http://www.bbc.co.uk/wm

Not sure exactly what time it will be on.

Edit - If you're in the West Midlands and listening on the radio on the way to work etc it's 95.6FM. It may give a little insight into how it has affected the family and maybe how Merlin has dealt with them so far. Who knows? Hopefully you'll be able to 'Listen again' online on the website, or some wizard will be able to record it and upload it later on.
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This is a summary news article from the BBC rather than the audio:

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-33075059

Sounds like she's doing really well after initially being ventilated on the intensive care unit. Makes me nervous to hear about what's happening to the other passengers though - I feel things could potentially get worse before they get better.
 
Tarquin said:
This is a summary news article from the BBC rather than the audio:

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-33075059

Sounds like she's doing really well after initially being ventilated on the intensive care unit. Makes me nervous to hear about what's happening to the other passengers though - I feel things could potentially get worse before they get better.
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I believe the other 3 front row passengers have all since been released from hospital with various injuries, Leah had the most serious one (comparatively)...

A 5th person was admitted for internal injuries since the incident, because they weren't admitted on the day, presumably because they didn't realise at the time or just wanted to leave...
 
the great thing I feel worth pointing out is only one of the families has gone "kerching" in public. This family seems to be focused on one thing, getting miss Washington well again. Credit to them. I bet they had lawyers crawling round though. Must be tough.
 
Benzin said:
I believe the other 3 front row passengers have all since been released from hospital with various injuries, Leah had the most serious one (comparatively)...

A 5th person was admitted for internal injuries since the incident, because they weren't admitted on the day, presumably because they didn't realise at the time or just wanted to leave...
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http://www.itv.com/news/central/upd...rs-crash-victim-joe-pugh-has-two-broken-legs/

I'm not sure what you're basing that on but I'm pretty certain they wouldn't discharge a patient with severe polytrauma and a patient in a serious condition that quickly (article dated 8/6). Certainly not when the news is watching them so closely and ready to pounce on any mistake. There's also the lady in the second row who has been readmitted with internal bleeding. I hope they recover as soon and as well as possible but I don't think we're over the worse of it yet if I'm honest.
 
The BBC article states that all the front row passengers remain in hospital, as well as the 5th with internal injuries. These are very serious injuries and I would be surprised if anyone is released soon. It's not just the injuries to cope with, it's the psychological affect, and the pouncing press.
 
Slugjc said:
the great thing I feel worth pointing out is only one of the families has gone "kerching" in public. This family seems to be focused on one thing, getting miss Washington well again. Credit to them. I bet they had lawyers crawling round though. Must be tough.
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My personal opinion is that the family/families demanding compensation aren't due the criticism that they have received on here. They are in a situation that no one would be mentally prepared for with some really terrible injuries sustained by their loved ones. The feelings of anger, disbelief and lack of control of the situation must be overwhelming. These feelings need to be directed somewhere and the most obvious target is obviously Merlin (especially as they've taken full responsibility for the incident). Demanding compensation could be seen as the only way to 'hurt' Merlin in the same way that Merlin has hurt their family. It could also provide a sense of control, seeing as a lot of their loved one's care will be out if their control and in the hands of the medics. I would also say it's incredibly insensitive to the family/families involved that just because they're demanding that Merlin pay, it means their main focus isn't their loved one getting better. These are not two mutually exclusive things. These families are already having a terrible time, I don't think we should add to it by saying they're going 'Kerching' at their injuries.
 
From TowersStreet in Facebook:

CHIJXvUXIAA0Tyb.jpg


It appears to be testing...
 
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Tarquin said:
http://www.itv.com/news/central/upd...rs-crash-victim-joe-pugh-has-two-broken-legs/

I'm not sure what you're basing that on but I'm pretty certain they wouldn't discharge a patient with severe polytrauma and a patient in a serious condition that quickly (article dated 8/6). Certainly not when the news is watching them so closely and ready to pounce on any mistake. There's also the lady in the second row who has been readmitted with internal bleeding. I hope they recover as soon and as well as possible but I don't think we're over the worse of it yet if I'm honest.
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The fifth person that Benzin, mentioned is the lady in the second row who you said has been re-admitted with internal bleeding. Therefore they obviously did discharge a patient and then re-admit them.
 
Danny said:
From TowersStreet in Facebook:

881577241912721


It appears to be testing...
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I think this will just for part of the ongoing investigation, but still good news. I didn't really expect them to be sending any cars around it this quickly at all!
 
I thought the lady on the second row was the one that took a taxi home, and only later realised that she was more seriously injured than she thought and checked herself into hospital and found to have internal bleeding, including clots on her liver. It happens, I know someone who was involved in a motorcycle accident where his friend was very seriously injured. Went with him to the hospital, them came home, took his leathers off and found a testicle hanging on by a thread. Back to the hospital it was then.
 
jon81uk said:
The fifth person that Benzin, mentioned is the lady in the second row who you said has been re-admitted with internal bleeding. Therefore they obviously did discharge a patient and then re-admit them.
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Yeah, I'm not doubting that one (I said myself that she'd been readmitted) - it's the people in the front row that there's been no news regarding their discharge that I was querying. Benzin said he believed that they'd all been released from hospital except Leah and I wasn't sure where he'd heard that from as everything I've heard has been the opposite of that.

That's interesting that they're testing the Smiler again. I note they've put dummies into most of the seats this time.

EDIT: So she might not even have been admitted at all! Shows how much conflicting information is being thrown around at the moment...
 
Apart from the guy in The Mirror - who wasn't any of the most severely injured passengers - I think they families have been quite responsible in the reactions. At the end of the day, Merlin have not shied away from any discussion of compensation, and have also acknowledged that money cannot undo the unfortunate incident. It's the media who are trying to get all the meat out of this story, and to be honest I think it's about time they moved on.

When accidents have happened in other parks, it's been a brief news bulletin on the day and that following, and then that's it. I don't understand why this has continued as much as it has just because they are the largest theme park in the UK
 
Tarquin said:
My personal opinion is that the family/families demanding compensation aren't due the criticism that they have received on here. They are in a situation that no one would be mentally prepared for with some really terrible injuries sustained by their loved ones. The feelings of anger, disbelief and lack of control of the situation must be overwhelming. These feelings need to be directed somewhere and the most obvious target is obviously Merlin (especially as they've taken full responsibility for the incident). Demanding compensation could be seen as the only way to 'hurt' Merlin in the same way that Merlin has hurt their family. It could also provide a sense of control, seeing as a lot of their loved one's care will be out if their control and in the hands of the medics. I would also say it's incredibly insensitive to the family/families involved that just because they're demanding that Merlin pay, it means their main focus isn't their loved one getting better. These are not two mutually exclusive things. These families are already having a terrible time, I don't think we should add to it by saying they're going 'Kerching' at their injuries.
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I was thinking pretty much the same regarding the possible reasons for pursuing it so soon.

I found it interesting that the Press Association info that Kelpie posted the other day said:

"Victoria Balch, who turned 20 yesterday, is not in a life-threatening condition, as previously thought, law firm Stewarts said in a statement."

I'm not sure if it was misinterpreted that she was in a life-threatening condition because "as previously thought" suggests that it wasn't actually the case.

Either way, they are obviously all very seriously injured but serious is better than 'life-threatening' or critical.
 
Tarquin said:
My personal opinion is that the family/families demanding compensation aren't due the criticism that they have received on here. They are in a situation that no one would be mentally prepared for with some really terrible injuries sustained by their loved ones. The feelings of anger, disbelief and lack of control of the situation must be overwhelming. These feelings need to be directed somewhere and the most obvious target is obviously Merlin (especially as they've taken full responsibility for the incident). Demanding compensation could be seen as the only way to 'hurt' Merlin in the same way that Merlin has hurt their family. It could also provide a sense of control, seeing as a lot of their loved one's care will be out if their control and in the hands of the medics. I would also say it's incredibly insensitive to the family/families involved that just because they're demanding that Merlin pay, it means their main focus isn't their loved one getting better. These are not two mutually exclusive things. These families are already having a terrible time, I don't think we should add to it by saying they're going 'Kerching' at their injuries.
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Tarquin said:
My personal opinion is that the family/families demanding compensation aren't due the criticism that they have received on here. They are in a situation that no one would be mentally prepared for with some really terrible injuries sustained by their loved ones. The feelings of anger, disbelief and lack of control of the situation must be overwhelming. These feelings need to be directed somewhere and the most obvious target is obviously Merlin (especially as they've taken full responsibility for the incident). Demanding compensation could be seen as the only way to 'hurt' Merlin in the same way that Merlin has hurt their family. It could also provide a sense of control, seeing as a lot of their loved one's care will be out if their control and in the hands of the medics. I would also say it's incredibly insensitive to the family/families involved that just because they're demanding that Merlin pay, it means their main focus isn't their loved one getting better. These are not two mutually exclusive things. These families are already having a terrible time, I don't think we should add to it by saying they're going 'Kerching' at their injuries.
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nobody is saying dont deserve compo. But to come out that early in my opinion, is bad for image. People will see them as money grabbing. They will get compo, they will get to hurt merlin. Let it come after loved ones have got over the worse. Whats the rush.
 
EuroSatch said:
When accidents have happened in other parks, it's been a brief news bulletin on the day and that following, and then that's it. I don't understand why this has continued as much as it has just because they are the largest theme park in the UK
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I think it's a combination of 2 things. Firstly, Alton Towers truly is a British institution and is very well known to everyone who resides here and most people will have visited at some point. It is also the theme park in Britain which is most famous worldwide. Secondly, any news is increasingly sent further and more quickly than ever before via social media etc more recently.
 
I will start by making no apologies for the tone this post is going to take.
Balb0wa said:
Ive sent merlin an email about my premium pass, im not happy about about no ERT , and all the closures.

Hope they add a week or two on it.

I only tend to use it at Alton Towers, i understand the seriousness of it all, but ive spent good money on it.

I may get called insensitive on here, but ive seen pictures of people on here queueing at guest services when a ride or two has been shut before.
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Balb0wa said:
id made plans a week before to go on the Wednesday with someone else who wasn't a pass holder, the day after the accident. It was a spanner in the works.

They responded, seems they don't care about pass holders. just a standard response, i wont bother renewing it next year, im only a month into this one.

Thank you for contacting the Merlin Annual Pass team.

Following the incident on The Smiler our priority was investigating the cause and ensuring that all our rides are operating entirely safely.

Our number one priority is always the safety of our guests and staff, and whilst we are confident that these rides are absolutely safe, we want to take this time to review our procedures and reinforce their safe operation. We understand that this may have caused disappointment and to keep our guests informed we have advertised the closed areas on our website and have also made this information available at the Hotel reception and Theme Park entrance through team members and information boards.

We can confirm that the area X Sector is closed to allow access for the HSE and to facilitate the investigation and we hope to be able to open the other rides soon. The Smiler however will remain closed until further notice.

Thank you once again for your feedback and we look forward to welcoming you back to our attractions again soon,
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Balb0wa said:
Its not out of order at all, Ive paid for a product, ERT is part of it, i accept the smiler being closed, but the others no.

They don't care about pass holders any more.
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Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable.

Who do you think you are? You have an ANNUAL pass. Guess what that means? Yes that's right, it allows you access for a whole 12 months. If you cannot live without ERT for one visit, or Oblivion, after what has happened then my god. You will get called insensitive because you are insensitive.

As it happens ERT has returned today. Spinball will open as soon as they are able to introduce the extra level of safety. Oblivion and Enterprise will open once the HSE are largely offsite and it is appropriate to allow guests back in the area; Towers say this will be soon. The Smiler will remain closed for the forseeable future. But you are not happy with this? You feel that you should be allowed into areas where the investigation is ongoing, or if not deserve an extension to your pass? Please. People like you give enthusiasts a bad name and I hope Towers give you nothing.

A very serious incident has happened at Alton Towers. People are seriously injured and one poor girl has lost her leg. Yet you want compensation for it? This has really not impacted on your life at all. Why should Towers have to give you things just because you have an annual pass? I also have an annual pass, I am going on Sunday, if certain rides remain closed then I do not expect or want anything at all. It is a totally understandable situation. Believe it or not the safety of their guests in their number one priority, not that all MAP holders get to go on every ride all the time regardless of anything.

Yes you have spent good money on it. But that good money allows you to go at other times when all rides are open. And yes you have seen people on here queueing at guest services about rides being closed, but for extremely different reasons.

Towers have given out free tickets to guests visiting the park this week. In my opinion this is going beyond what is expected in terms of customer service. All T&Cs state that all rides are subject to availability etc. so they could easily have just done nothing. But they are showing this goodwill. You have an annual pass so there is your free return ticket for any day you want.

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Right, sorry to everyone else for that but I was angered and needed a rant!

In terms of The Smiler testing this morning, that will be part of the HSE investigation I think. They probably want to get an understanding of how the ride works and is operated as well as test out current safety mechanisms. It will also allow them to make their own predictions of imact speed etc. Got to admit it is a little strange seeing it testing.

And then in terms of the new operational procedures. I understand why Merlin have introduced them and they won't cause much of a problem on quiet days like they are having this week. But if these are permanent measures going forward they are going to cause real problems for the park. Rides such as Thirteen and Air be impacted badly. It remains to be seen how the changes could affect Oblivion and Spinball. I hope it is temporary whilst they carry on investigation and think it probably is. There's no reason why only Merlin should have to operate their coasters differently when thousands around the world operate safely and 'normally'. As a temporary measure though it is sensible.

:)
 
didn't someone have there head bashed a mingoland not so long back. The only reason look north in Yorkshire are reporting it is because 2 are from Barnsley Tha no's
 
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