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NEWS
'Take action to prevent future theme park deaths', says report following Drayton Manor tragedy
POSTED 12 Dec 2019 . BY Andy Knaggs
The Splash Canyon ride at Drayton Manor has been closed since the incident in May 2017 Credit: Shutterstock
UK theme parks have been advised to take action to prevent future deaths, following the conclusion of an inquest into the accidental death of Evha Jannath at Drayton Manor in 2017.

The 11-year-old from Leicester was killed on a water rapids ride called Splash Canyon in May of that year after she stood up in the boat just as it hit a buffer designed to direct boats to the end of the ride.

Although a conclusion of accidental death was recorded, the coroner's report by South Staffordshire assistant coroner Margaret Jones said that action should be taken by all theme parks to prevent future deaths.

"I believe you have the power to take such action," the report stated.

The report has been sent to Alton Towers, Legoland, Thorpe Park, Merlin Entertainments and Lightwater Valley Theme Park, as well as Drayton Manor, and sets out a duty for Drayton Manor to respond in detail to matters raised at the inquest, and for all the theme parks to respond to the report by 8 January 2020, with details of actions taken or proposed to be taken, or otherwise explaining why no action was needed.

A number of concerns were raised by the coroner, including that CCTV was not being sufficiently well monitored and responded to, that safety warnings, either through signage or verbally by attendants, were inadequate, and that staff had not been adequately trained in water rescue.

The report also revealed that CCTV only covered 50 per cent of the Splash Canyon ride (which has been decommissioned since the incident), and that a review of the CCTV coverage from the time the ride opened on the day of Evha Jannath's death until 2pm (the time of the incident) showed at least 70 incidents of guests standing up in the boats.
RELATED STORIES
  Merlin attractions close river rapids rides following Drayton Manor death


A number of Merlin attractions have closed their river rapids rides, following the death of 11-year-old Evha Jannat, who was killed at Drayton Manor on Tuesday after falling off the ride into the water.
  Girl dies after falling from water ride at Drayton Manor Park


An 11-year-old girl has died after an incident at a water ride at Drayton Manor Park in Drayton Bassett, Staffordshire, UK.
  Visitor dies after riding Drayton Manor's Maelstrom


A female guest has died at Drayton Manor theme park near Tamworth, Staffordshire, after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.
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NEWS
'Take action to prevent future theme park deaths', says report following Drayton Manor tragedy
POSTED 12 Dec 2019 . BY Andy Knaggs
The Splash Canyon ride at Drayton Manor has been closed since the incident in May 2017 Credit: Shutterstock
UK theme parks have been advised to take action to prevent future deaths, following the conclusion of an inquest into the accidental death of Evha Jannath at Drayton Manor in 2017.

The 11-year-old from Leicester was killed on a water rapids ride called Splash Canyon in May of that year after she stood up in the boat just as it hit a buffer designed to direct boats to the end of the ride.

Although a conclusion of accidental death was recorded, the coroner's report by South Staffordshire assistant coroner Margaret Jones said that action should be taken by all theme parks to prevent future deaths.

"I believe you have the power to take such action," the report stated.

The report has been sent to Alton Towers, Legoland, Thorpe Park, Merlin Entertainments and Lightwater Valley Theme Park, as well as Drayton Manor, and sets out a duty for Drayton Manor to respond in detail to matters raised at the inquest, and for all the theme parks to respond to the report by 8 January 2020, with details of actions taken or proposed to be taken, or otherwise explaining why no action was needed.

A number of concerns were raised by the coroner, including that CCTV was not being sufficiently well monitored and responded to, that safety warnings, either through signage or verbally by attendants, were inadequate, and that staff had not been adequately trained in water rescue.

The report also revealed that CCTV only covered 50 per cent of the Splash Canyon ride (which has been decommissioned since the incident), and that a review of the CCTV coverage from the time the ride opened on the day of Evha Jannath's death until 2pm (the time of the incident) showed at least 70 incidents of guests standing up in the boats.
RELATED STORIES
Merlin attractions close river rapids rides following Drayton Manor death


A number of Merlin attractions have closed their river rapids rides, following the death of 11-year-old Evha Jannat, who was killed at Drayton Manor on Tuesday after falling off the ride into the water.
Girl dies after falling from water ride at Drayton Manor Park


An 11-year-old girl has died after an incident at a water ride at Drayton Manor Park in Drayton Bassett, Staffordshire, UK.
Visitor dies after riding Drayton Manor's Maelstrom


A female guest has died at Drayton Manor theme park near Tamworth, Staffordshire, after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.
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Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
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iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
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TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
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DIARY

 

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