Waterworld inquest opens after tragedy

An inquest into a four-year-old girl’s death at Waterworld is opened as ownership changes and safety questions emerge.

Inquest opens into Waterworld tragedy that claimed a four year old

An inquest into the death of four-year-old Vethavalli Vasu-Dharma was opened at Stoke Town Hall after she was found unconscious in Waterworld’s lagoon at Festival Park in Stoke-on-Trent on August 4. The Bradford girl died later at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Waterworld briefly closed after the incident but has since reopened. In a statement, Waterworld’s new owner Looping Group said they were saddened and would continue to support the local community while offering sympathy to the family. The venue was sold on July 31 by Mo Chaudry to Looping Group for an undisclosed sum. The inquest was opened and then adjourned to a later date. The BBC reported that she was found “unresponsive and submerged in water” by a member of the public, a detail cited as part of the case background. The hearing adds a fresh layer to a case that sits at the intersection of family safety, business ownership, and community trust.

This tragedy tests how communities balance safety with the appeal of family attractions. The move to a new owner and the quick reopening of Waterworld may reassure some locals, but it also raises questions about governance and safety oversight. The inquest will look for what happened and whether existing safety measures were adequate, not for blame alone. As investigations proceed, Looping Group faces pressure to demonstrate a clear, accountable plan for future operations and safety upgrades. Public confidence in family venues often hinges on transparent safeguards and rapid responses when things go wrong.

Highlights

The inquiry’s outcomes will shape how families view access to popular local attractions.