The Smiler rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers on June 2, 2015, remains one of the most devastating theme park accidents in UK history. Ten years later, two survivors of that horrific event, Leah Washington-Pugh and Joe Pugh, share their story of survival, resilience, and hope — a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the darkest moments.
Leah and Joe were just teenagers, 17 and 18 years old, on a simple date when their lives changed forever. As they eagerly entered the park and made their way to The Smiler, neither imagined the day would end in tragedy. The ride was delayed due to technical difficulties, but the couple brushed off the wait, unaware of the looming disaster. Once aboard, their carriage rounded a corner and collided violently into an empty cart ahead, a crash so severe that Joe compared it to “driving into a car at 90 miles per hour.”
The impact was catastrophic. Leah’s legs were crushed, resulting in the amputation of her left leg above the knee, a loss that would forever alter the course of her life. Joe’s injuries were equally severe, with shattered kneecaps and severed fingers — injuries that required years of recovery and rehabilitation. Both were trapped for nearly four hours before emergency crews could safely extract them, with Leah crediting the swift actions of air ambulance crews and first responders for saving her life. She recalls the air ambulance flying in blood supplies to the scene as she lost a dangerous amount of blood.
Recovery was grueling. Leah spent five days in intensive care followed by eight weeks in the hospital. The transition back to everyday life was overwhelming — relearning how to walk, adjusting to prosthetics, and navigating the emotional toll of trauma. Joe, too, faced a difficult path, not only healing physically but also rebuilding their relationship in the aftermath of such a life-altering event.
Their journey has been marked by shared strength and mutual support. Despite the profound changes to their bodies and lives, they refused to let their injuries define them or their relationship. Joe emphasizes that their bond — their friendship, love, and commitment — was crucial in helping them heal and move forward.
“Fast forward 10 years, and we couldn’t be happier,” Joe shares. The couple is now married, with a beautiful home and a life filled with love and hope. Their story is one of triumph over adversity, an inspiring reminder that even the most harrowing experiences can lead to renewed purpose and joy.
The Smiler crash, which injured 16 people and resulted in two amputations, was deemed “utterly shocking” by industry experts and is considered unprecedented in the amusement park world. The operator, Merlin Attractions, was fined £5 million after admitting breaches of the Health and Safety Act, with the judge noting that the incident was foreseeable but acknowledging the company’s extensive efforts to rectify the issues.
Since the tragedy, significant safety reforms have been implemented across the UK’s amusement parks. Staff now conduct thorough visual inspections of the entire ride track before opening each day, ensuring no obstruction can cause a similar accident. These heightened standards have helped maintain the UK’s reputation for some of the safest theme parks globally.
Reflecting on the incident’s legacy, journalist Marcus Gaines highlights how rare and serious the event was, stating, “It is unprecedented that that accident happened. The fact that we haven’t seen anything like that since shows the high standards we have in the UK.” The crash prompted wide-ranging reforms and greater awareness about ride safety, setting new benchmarks for the industry.
For Leah and Joe, the crash is a chapter in their lives that, while tragic, has also brought unexpected blessings. Leah says, “You’ve always got to find the positive in the negative and just grab life because it’s so precious.” Their shared experiences have fostered deep gratitude, resilience, and a commitment to giving back.
To honor the tenth anniversary of the crash, Leah and Joe are hosting a ball to raise funds for the Midlands Air Ambulance, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and the LimbBo Foundation — a charity supporting children with limb differences. Their commitment to helping others exemplifies how they have transformed personal tragedy into a source of hope and support for their communities.
The Smiler crash will forever remain a sobering reminder of the importance of safety, vigilance, and compassion. Leah and Joe’s journey from survivors to advocates serves as an enduring beacon of courage and love. Their story teaches us that, even after unimaginable pain, healing and happiness are possible.
As Alton Towers continues to uphold rigorous safety standards, the memories of those affected by the 2015 crash remain vivid. The resilience of Leah and Joe Washington-Pugh inspires not only those who know them but also anyone facing adversity, proving that strength, love, and community can overcome the darkest of days.
