Girl, 11, Dies after Drayton Manor Ride Fall

An 11-year-old girl has died after falling from a rapids ride at Drayton Manor theme park in Staffordshire.

The Splash Canyon ride was closed following the incident on Tuesday when the girl, who was on a school trip, fell into the water.

Staffordshire Police said the girl was airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital at around 14:20 BST but was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.

In a statement published on its website, the Jameah Academy, an Islamic girls' school, confirmed a year 6 pupil had died at the park. The statement read:

"We are liaising with the relevant authorities at this time. Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of all of our pupils is a priority.

"We would also request that the family, as well as the school community, be given the time to grieve. The school is also providing support to pupils and staff. We are unable to provide any further information at this time."

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed of the incident.

The death is thought to be the first at a UK theme park since 2004, when a 16-year-old girl fell from the Hydro ride at Oakwood theme park near Tenby in Wales.

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