The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Tragedy as girl, 11, dies after plunging from ride at Drayton Manor Theme Park
An 11-year-old girl died yesterday after falling from a ride at Drayton Manor Theme Park.
The girl, who is from the Leicester area, fell from the Splash Canyon water ride at the Tamworth-based park.
Reading a statement, 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 Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating.
The ride was closed following the incident.
In his statement, Mr Bryan said: “Further to a police statement which has been issued a few moments ago, it is with great sadness we have to report a young girl has passed away at Birmingham Children’s Hospital following an incident on one of our rides this afternoon.
“Our staff were alerted that an 11-yearold girl had entered the water.
“Trained park staff were immediately on scene tending to the patient and West Midlands Ambulance arrived and airlifted her to hospital.”
The theme park’s website states the ride, which opened in 1993, features up to 21 boats, each of which can carry up to six people.
It promises “a wild ride” with “fastflowing rapids”.
A spokesman for the HSE said: “The HSE has been made aware of today’s incident at Drayton Manor and is making initial inquiries along with emergency services.”
The park, which opened to the public in the 1940s, has had an exemplary ride safety record.