Alton Towers defend decision to re-open Smiler ride

Alton Towers have defended their decision to re-open a ride which crashed and seriously injured a couple from Barnsley last year.

Leah Washington and Joe Pugh raised more than £20,000 to repay those who saved them. Credit: ITV News

Leah Washington lost her leg after being trapped on the smiler ride for several hours last June.

Her boyfriend Joe Pugh also suffered serious injuries.

The ride will open again tomorrow and Alton Towers Marketing Director Gill Riley told ITV News that the ride was safe to operate: