An 11-year-old girl has died following an accident involving Drayton Manor’s Splash Canyon water rapids ride.
The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are not yet known. Police have confirmed the girl was at the park as part of a school trip.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was called to the Tamworth theme park at 14:18 BST, with reports of an individual having fallen into the ride’s water.
An ambulance, senior paramedic officer, paramedic support officer, rapid response paramedic and a community first responder were sent to the scene.
Staffordshire Police superintendent Carl Ratcliffe said officers were called at 14:25 BST.
“We were called to reports that a child had fallen from a water ride at Drayton Manor Park,” he said.
Prior to the announcement of the girl’s death, Ratcliffe added that the girl’s parents were informed of the accident, and were being supported by specialist police officers.
‘Shock and devastation’
Speaking for Drayton Manor, an emotional company director George Bryan said: “Further to a police statement, with great sadness we have to report the girl has passed away at Birmingham Children’s Hospital following an incident on one of our rides this afternoon.
Drayton Manor director George Bryan
“Our staff were alerted that an 11-year-old girl had entered the water.
“Trained park staff were immediately on scene attending to the patient and West Midlands Air Ambulance arrived and airlifted her to hospital.
“We are all truly shocked and devastated and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this greatly difficult time.”
Splash Canyon has been closed and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed of the incident. Police forensics officers were also in attendance.
Guests already in the park were allowed to continue their day, while new visitors were turned away at the park’s gates.
Drayton Manor said it will remain closed on Wednesday, out of respect for the bereaved family.