One of the seriously injured people on board the Smiler ride at Alton Towers when it crashed has had their leg amputated, it has emerged.
Leah Washington was on the front row of the rollercoaster in the accident, which occurred on Tuesday last week.
Three others on the front row of the ride suffered serious lower limb injuries when their train collided with a stationary empty vehicle.
The BBC is now reporting that a fifth person is also being treated for “internal injuries”.
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust said that 17-year-old Leah also suffered a fractured hand in the collision.
Her father David said of deciding to release the news 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 Alton Towers operators 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 park reopened today for the first time since Tuesday’s incident although the X Sector area of the park, as well as the Sonic Spinball rollercoaster, remain closed.