One of the seriously injured riders on the Smiler when it crashed last week has had to have their leg amputated.
Leah Washington was one of the four riders who were on the front row of the ride when it crashed into the back of an empty train. The other 3 riders on the front row also suffered serious lower limb injuries.
It is also been revealed that she suffered a fractured hand in the collision.
Leah's father has released the following statement to the public:
“We have done this to put people’s minds at rest and we would also ask everyone to respect Leah’s privacy as she undergoes this rehabilitation."
“Leah has suffered a life-changing injury and now has many months of rehabilitation ahead of her."
“We would like to thank all the emergency services at the scene and all the hospital staff who saved Leah’s life.”
Nick Varney (Chief Executive of Merlin Entertainments) said: "We are deeply saddened by the news about Leah and all our thoughts are with her and her family."
"We cannot undo the events of last week but everyone in the company and at Alton Towers is determined to do all we can to provide appropriate support to those who were injured and their families."
The theme park reopened today although the X-Sector area of the park and the Sonic Spinball rollercoaster will remain shut until further notice.