Drayton Manor theme park incident

Theme park operator Merlin Entertainments is reopening three water rides closed as a precautionary measure following the death of 11-year-old schoolgirl Evha Jannath.
Evha Jannath, who died at the Drayton Manor Theme ParkEvha Jannath, who died at the Drayton Manor Theme Park
Evha Jannath, who died at the Drayton Manor Theme Park

The Splash Canyon ride at the family-run Drayton Manor theme park in Staffordshire remains closed after Evha fell into the water during a school trip and later died in hospital.

Staffordshire Police said investigations into the death of the Leicester school pupil remain ongoing, as officers and the Health and Safety Executive continue to work at the site.

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In a statement, Merlin said its water rapids rides at Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Legoland Windsor were expected to reopen on Friday.

A Merlin spokesman said: "On hearing of the tragic events at Drayton Manor on Tuesday, we felt it prudent to temporarily close rapids rides at our parks in the UK and in Europe as a precaution.

"Safety is our number one priority and after conducting a further detailed review of our safety measures and after liaising with the Health and Safety Executive, we are confident in being able to open the rapids rides at relevant parks today."

Drayton Manor said its site would remain closed on Friday.