Investigation launched into Drayton Manor Splash Canyon death

An investigation has been launched into the death of an 11-year-old died girl who fell into the water from a river rapids ride at a Staffordshire theme park.

She fell from the Splash Canyon ride at Drayton Manor in Tamworth.

The girl, a pupil at Jameah Academy in Leicester, was flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital but died shortly after arriving.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said it had been called at 2.18pm, with an emergency response team on the scene within seven minutes.

"Crews discovered a girl with serious injuries who had been rescued from the water by park staff," said a spokesman.

He said ambulance staff had given the girl "advanced life support" and that a doctor continued treatment in the helicopter.

Feeona Fletcher, who was on a nearby ride, told Sky News: "We saw the park golf buggy thing coming down and the guy was shouting ‘clear the way, clear the way’.

"Suddenly two paramedic cars came flying down through the park and into that area.

"By the time we got off the carousel, maybe a minute or two, there were fire engines, ambulances, police cars.

"The air ambulance was over our heads. It was so fast."

Drayton Manor’s director, George Bryan, said staff were "immediately on the scene" after the girl fell in.

Appearing visibly shaken, he told reporters: "We’re all truly shocked and devastated and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this tremendously difficult time."

Jameah Academy did not name the year 6 girl, but said in a statement that it was "liaising with the relevant authorities" and supporting pupils and staff.

"Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of all of our pupils is a priority," it added.

Specially trained police are supporting the girl’s family and the Health and Safety Executive is making "initial inquiries".

The ride was shut after the incident, but people already inside the park were allowed to stay until the usual closing time of 5pm.

Drayton Manor will be closed today as a mark of respect.

Splash Canyon opened in 1993 and is described as Drayton Manor’s "very own river rapids".

It has a maximum capacity of 126 people – 21 boats with six people in each – and a minimum height of 0.9m.

The boats have a central circular bar to hold on to, but in online footage the seats do not appear to have any other restraints.

The park’s website says: "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 ride through the water!"

Drayton Manor – which includes a Thomas the Tank Engine-themed area – opened in 1949 and is the UK’s fifth most popular theme park.

An incident on Alton Towers’ Smiler ride in June 2015 led to two teenagers losing a leg and left 14 others injured.

The park was later fined £5m over health and safety failures.

(c) Sky News 2017: Investigation launched into Drayton Manor Splash Canyon death