Alton Towers crash victim has further surgery as theme park remains closed
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Version 0 of 1. A student who suffered potentially life-changing injuries in the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash has undergone more surgery, her lawyers have said. Victoria Balch, who turned 20 on Saturday, is not in a life-threatening condition as previously thought, law firm Stewarts said in a statement. Balch, from Leyland in Lancashire, was among four people who suffered serious leg injuries after two carriages on the Smiler rollercoaster ride collided at the Staffordshire theme park on Tuesday. Related: Alton Towers: four rollercoaster crash victims in hospital Paul Paxton, a partner at Stewarts Law, said the international spa management student and her family were grateful for the stream of good wishes they have received. Commenting on the latest legal position, Paxton said: “We have contacted the Health and Safety Executive and hope to be able to discuss with Merlin’s insurers and their legal team as early as next week.” Meanwhile, Alton Towers is closed for a fifth day on Sunday due to the ongoing investigation into the accident. The park, which is reportedly losing around £500,000 a day until it reopens, confirmed on Saturday it would remain shut until at least next week. Guests with pre-booked tickets have the option to use them on Sunday at an alternative attraction. Those with tickets can also obtain a full refund or alternative dated tickets. The 14-loop Smiler is subject to a prohibition notice – a legally enforced ban – until action is taken to deal with the cause of the crash. The Saw ride at Thorpe Park in Surrey and the Dragon’s Fury and Rattlesnake rollercoasters at Chessington World of Adventures, also in Surrey, have also been shut down by Merlin Entertainments, which owns all three parks. |