An 11-year-old girl has died after falling from a water rapids ride at a theme park near Birmingham, England.
In a story devastatingly similar to the fatal accident at Dreamworld last year, the young girl was on a school trip when she fell from the Splash Canyon water ride on Tuesday afternoon.
The year six student was believed to have been on the ride with a teacher and other pupils.
Some reports are claiming she stood up during the ride and hit her head as she fell into the choppy, 5 ft deep water below.
The company director of Drayton Manor theme park, George Bryan, said he was “truly shocked and devastated” by the girl’s death.
“It is with great sadness we have to report that a young girl has passed away at Birmingham Children’s Hospital following an incident on one of the park’s water rides this afternoon,” the visibly upset director said.
“Our staff were alerted that an 11-year-old girl had entered the water.
“Trained park staff were immediately on the scene attending to the patient and West Midlands Air Ambulance arrived and airlifted her to the hospital.
“We are all shocked and devastated and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this tremendously difficult time.”
A spokeswoman from the girl’s school, Jameah Girls Academy in Leicester, said: “Pupils and staff went on a school trip to Drayton Manor Park.
“A girl from year six had been airlifted to hospital. Sadly, she later passed away.
“We request the family as well as the school community be given time to grieve.”
Hundreds gathered for evening prayers at Jame Majid Mosque and paid tribute to the young girl.
The park announced it will be closed on Wednesday “as a mark of respect to the family.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
