Alton Towers crash victims explain how life-changing accident affected their relationship
The couple who were caught up in a horrifying rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers have revealed they might not be together today if it wasn't for the devastating accident.
For their first date, Leah Washington, then 17, and Joe Pugh, then 18, were both at the receiving end of a horror crash at the Staffordshire theme park back in 2015.
The ride they were on suddenly crashed into a stationary cart in front of them at 50mph, causing life-changing injuries to those on board.
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At least 16 were injured and five people were seriously hurt.
Leah's right leg had to be amputated and Joe smashed both of his kneecaps, while losing the ability to move one of his fingers.
The accident was down to human error as Alton Towers operator Merlin Attractions was fined £5 million in 2016.
However, years later, the couple are now married and enjoying their life together.
But if it wasn't for the accident, both Joe and Leah do not think they would still be together.
During a recent interview on This Morning, Joe said: "I think it was difficult to be fair. We've said numerous times if that had not happened, we might not have been together now.
"Because things just change and things just get in the way. We were both going to uni, we would have been live in separate cities.
"I don't know, only time would have told."
Leah added: "It was very early days and I was starting Leeds University in the September so we would have been like miles away from each other. So I don't know if it would have stuck, or lasted.
"After the accident we were in the same hospital, so I used to go up and visit him in his bed and he used to pop down and see me.
"But it was so awkward. Like it was so weird because we were literally starting it fresh. But surrounded by press, parents, like it weren't natural. It was strange."
Six months after the accident, the pair said they started to date again properly.
Joe said: "Obviously both my kneecaps are shattered as well. And then obviously my hand injuries as well.
"So I remember our first date when I first started driving and we was pushing this wheelchair.
"I think it was Yorkshire Wildlife Park or something like that. And they were like how we're gonna manage with this wheelchair. We've never done this before. What do we do?"
Thankfully, the couple have come off the back of a fairytale honeymoon and have urged people who are going through a similar thing that 'life does get better'.
Topics: Theme Park, UK News
Anish Vij