Theme park to face charges over ride death
LEGAL ACTION COMES AFTER 11-YEAR-OLD DIED ON RAPIDS
A STAFFORDSHIRE theme park is to be prosecuted over the death of a schoolgirl who fell from one of its rides and drowned.
Drayton Manor theme park will be prosecuted for alleged health and safety breaches after Evha Jannath died in May 2017.
The 11-year-old drowned after she fell from the Splash Canyon water rapids ride at the park, near Tamworth.
Her death was declared as ‘accidental’ at her inquest, reports Leicestershire Live.
Now the Health and Safety Executive has confirmed that it will prosecute the business. No date has been set for any hearing.
Evha’s family, who live in the Belgrave area of Leicester, welcomed the decision.
Her brother, Mohammed said: “We would like to thank the police, our solicitors, and the community for their help.
“We have lost our darling Evha forever. Nothing will bring her back.”
Former MP Keith Vaz took up the case when he represented the Leicester East constituency and continues to support the family.
Mr Vaz said: “They are pleased that this matter is now drawing to an end.
“It has been a sad time for them and it is regretted that they have been put through this dreadful ordeal.”
An Health and Safety Executive spokeswoman said: “A Health and Safety Executive prosecution is being brought following the death of an 11-year-old girl at Drayton Manor theme park.
“On 9 May 2017, Evha Jannath died after falling from the park’s Splash Canyon water ride.
“Drayton Manor Park Ltd of Drayton Manor Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire will face a charge under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act.”
A spokesman for Drayton Manor said they are unable to comment on the prosecution as it was against the former company.
The theme park was taken over by the Looping Group earlier this year.