Girl, 11, dies after after serious incident at theme park
Police have confirmed that an 11-year-old girl has died following an incident on a ride at Drayton Manor theme park in Staffordshire.
Emergency services were called to the park, near Tamworth around 2.20pm after reports a child was in difficulty after falling into the water while on the ride.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said in a statement: “On arrival, crews discovered a girl with serious injuries who had been rescued from the water by park staff.
“Ambulance staff administered advanced life support before the girl was flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with the doctor continuing treatment en-route.
“Unfortunately, shortly after arrival at hospital it became apparent nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed deceased.”
The girl is thought to be from the Leicester area and was n a school trip to the park.
The incident comes almost two years to the day since The Smiler accident at sister Staffordshire theme park Alton Towers.
Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe, of Staffordshire Police, said the girl’s parents were receiving support from specially-trained officers.
He confirmed the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) had been informed of the incident.
George Bryan, company director at Drayton Manor, said: “We are all shocked and devastated and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this tremendously difficult time.”
Drayton Manor describes the ride as follows: “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, so grab your friends and family, climb on board one of our circular boats, and get ready for a wild rise through the water.”
It adds: “You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle as you speed, bounce and splash your way around our river, past other rides and through the trees, experiencing the most unpredictable and thrilling of river rapid rides.”
The ride has a maximum capacity of 126 people (21 boats of six). It has a minimum height requirement of 0.9m and stipulates that anyone under 1.1m tall must be accompanied by an adult.
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