Schoolgirl (11) dies after falling off water park ride
AN 11-YEAR-OLD girl has died after falling from a ride at Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire Police said.
The girl, who was from the Leicester area in the UK, fell from the Splash Canyon water ride at Tamworth-based Drayton Manor Theme Park yesterday afternoon.
Reading a statement from the park, a visibly shaken company director George Bryan said: “We are all truly shocked and devastated, and our thoughts are with the family and friends at this horrendously difficult time.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said crews arrived on the scene and discovered a girl with serious injuries who had been rescued from the water by park staff. The spokesman added: “Ambulance staff administered advanced life support before she was flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with the doctor continuing treatment en route.
“Unfortunately, shortly after arrival at hospital the girl passed away.”
Police Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe said: “Specially trained officers are supporting the girl’s family at this difficult time. Our thoughts are very much with her family and friends following this tragic incident.”
The ride was closed following the incident. It is believed the girl was on a school trip at the time of the incident.
The theme park’s website states the ride, which opened in 1993, features up to 21 boats, each with up to six people in.
It is open to anyone at least 0.9m tall, although those under 1.1m must be accompanied by an adult. The website promises “a wild ride” with “fast-flowing rapids”.
It adds: “Swerve around corners, splash through the waves, and get soaked as your boat is swept along our fast-flowing rapids. No two experiences are ever the same... You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle as you speed, bounce, and splash your way around our river.”