US boy killed in world's tallest water slide accident

A 10-year-old boy died on a water slide billed as the world's tallest at an amusement park in US' Kansas city, police said.

Schlitterbahn Water Park spokeswoman Winter Prosapio said the child died on Sunday on one of the park's main attractions, Verruckt, a 168 ft tall water slide that has 264 stairs leading to the top.

The victim was identified as Caleb Schwab, the son of state Representative Scott Schwab of Olathe, NBC News reported.

The water park said in its initial report that the boy was 12, but a family spokesman clarified late Sunday that he was 10.

In a statement, the park said it was "saddened",

"Given that safety is our first priority, we have closed the Kansas City park today (Sunday) and Monday and have closed the ride pending a full investigation," it said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time," NBC News quoted the statement as saying.

The Verruckt - a German word for "insane" or "crazy" - drops riders almost 169 feet at 65 mph.

Its marketing materials include the slogan "R U Insane?"

The Verruckt was certified as the world's tallest water slide by Guinness World Records, NBC News added.

--IANS

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