HSE investigate theme park death.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating the death of an 11-year-old girl who fell from a rapids ride at Drayton Manor theme park, Staffordshire.

The theme park’s Splash Canyon attraction was closed after the girl, named as Evha Jannath, fell into the water.

Staffordshire Police said the victim, who was on a trip with her school, Jameah Academy, Leicester, was airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital and confirmed dead shortly after arrival.

Director of the family-run theme park, George Bryan, said he was "truly shocked and devastated" by the death of the girl.

Local MP, Mr Keith Vaz, suggested potential changes to improve theme park safety, including ensuring children under 12 must be "accompanied by an adult at all times" on such rides while it should be a priority to have them adequately staffed.

He also said that a law change was needed to lift the "woefully low" £15,000 cap on bereavement damages for death of a child.

The ride opened in 1993. It is described as a river rapids ride on circular boats. It comprises 21 boats with a maximum capacity of six people per boat.

The 286 acre-theme park was opened to the public by the Bryan family in 1950 and is run today by second and third generation family members.

The death at Drayton Manor 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, west Wales.