School trip girl, 11, dies after fall from Drayton Manor water ride

An 11-year-old girl on a school trip to Drayton Manor Theme Park has died after falling from one of the rides.

She was a Year 6 pupil at Jameah Academy – an integrated Islamic day school for girls in the city.

The school said in a statement that it was providing “support to pupils and staff” and asked for “time to grieve”.

Drayton Manor’s company director George Bryan appeared shaken as he read a statement from the park, saying: “We are all truly shocked and devastated, and our thoughts are with the family and friends at this tremendously difficult time.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said crews arrived on the scene and discovered a girl with serious injuries who had been rescued from the water by park staff.

The spokesman added: “Ambulance staff administered advanced life support before she was flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with the doctor continuing treatment en route.

“Unfortunately, shortly after arrival at hospital the girl passed away.”

Police Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe said: “Specially-trained officers are supporting the girl’s family at this difficult time. Our thoughts are very much with her family and friends following this tragic incident.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it was making initial inquiries alongside the emergency services. The ride was closed following the incident, although much of the park remained open until 5pm.

In his statement, Mr Bryan said: “Further to a police statement which has been issued a few moments ago, it is with great sadness we have to report a young girl has passed away at Birmingham Children’s Hospital following an incident on one of our rides this afternoon.

“Our staff were alerted that an 11-year-old girl had entered the water.

“Trained park staff were immediately on scene tending to the patient and West Midlands Ambulance arrived and airlifted her to hospital.

“We are all truly shocked and devastated, and our thoughts are with the family and friends at this horrendously difficult time.”

Mr Bryan is the grandson of the park’s original owners George and Vera Bryan – who first opened the attraction back in 1949.

He appeared shocked and struggled to get his words out, at one point his voice breaking, as he read the statement to assembled press in the on-site hotel.

The girl’s school, which describes itself as a “highly successful independent Islamic School” on its website, confirmed that pupils and staff went on a school trip to the site on Tuesday.

“Whilst at the theme park, an incident took place and a girl from year 6 had been airlifted to hospital. Sadly, she later passed away,” a statement issued by the school said.

“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.”

Soon after the girl’s fall, as staff and medics went to the scene, other park staff shepherded the public away from the area.

New visitors were prevented from entering the park at about 4pm, however guests at the hotel were allowed to remain.

The ride opened in 1993, and features up to 21 boats each with a capacity of six people.

It is open to anyone at least 0.9m (3ft) tall, although those under 1.1m must be accompanied by an adult.

The site will be closed on Wednesday as a “mark of respect to the family,” Drayton Manor said.