Thorpe Park has closed its Rumba Rapids water raft ride indefinitely after a schoolgirl died on a similar ride in Staffordshire.

Evha Jannath died following an incident on the Splash Canyon river rapids ride at Drayton Manor on Tuesday (May 9).

The Tamworth theme park remained closed on Wednesday (May 10) as a mark of respect to the family of the 11-year-old schoolgirl from Leicester.

On Wednesday, Thorpe Park announced that its Rumba Rapids ride, which is similar to Drayton Manor’s Splash Canyon, would be closed for the day as a precaution.

A spokeswoman later added: “We are aware of the tragic events at Drayton Manor and our thoughts are with the family and all of those affected.

“Safety is our number one priority and, as a precautionary measure, Rumba Rapids will be closed tomorrow (May 11) and until such time as more details of the incident become available.”

The Drayton Manor incident happened at around 2.30pm.

Evha’s family said their “world was torn apart by the news” adding she was “a beautiful little girl who was full of love and always smiling”.

Staffordshire Police said: “Evha sadly died after falling from a water ride at the theme park.

“She was recovered from the water and received advanced life support from ambulance crews before she was flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where she later passed away.”

Police added the Health and Safety Executive would now investigate.

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