Some shockingly sad news coming out of the US state of Kansas today with word emerging that an accident at a water park has claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy.
The child was reportedly riding on the Verruckt water slide at the Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City when the accident occurred.
Verruckt is advertised as being the tallest water slide in the world, with a starting tower standing some 17 storeys high. The slide has been plagued with safety and operational concerns since opening in 2014, but had continued public operation after numerous fixes.
Local news on the scene report witnesses stating that the harness system the ride utilises may not have been working properly, and that the boy became airborne from the ride at the bottom of the ride’s first drop.
Local law enforcement officials have shut down the ride pending a full investigation into the incident.
Officers working an apparent accident death investigation at Schlitterbahn. No other details at this time.
— Terry Zeigler (@KCKPDChief) August 7, 2016
In response, Schlitterbahn officials have closed the park entirely for the next 24 hours as officials begin their enquiries.
It’s unclear how or why the boy was allowed on the ride; park recommendations state that riders be a minimum of 14 years old and over 137cm tall.
Source: Kansas City Star.
Photo: Schlitterbahn Kansas City/Facebook.
