PREVIEW

One of the main attractions at a Welsh theme park - where a tragic accident claimed the life of a young girl over two decades ago - is being permanently removed.

This week, the high-speed water ride Drenched, formerly known as Hydro, has been at the center of attention.

An online photo revealed the ride surrounded by three large cranes, with sections missing, including its signature 85-degree drop, fueling speculation that it was being dismantled.

A spokesperson for the park confirmed to the Western Telegraph: “We can confirm that after 20 plus years of operation, Drenched has been retired from the Oakwood Theme Park offering, and is being dismantled."

"We look forward to sharing other park updates when we commence the build up to the 2025 season.”

Hydro debuted at the park near Canaston Bridge in 2002 but became the focus of tragedy just two years later when 16-year-old Hayley Williams from Pontypool fell 120 feet from the ride.

The inquest into her death revealed that the safety bar, meant to restrain passengers on the 50mph ride, had not been lowered before it started.

Following the incident, the ride was closed for a year and later reopened with over-the-shoulder restraints on its 24-seater car.

In 2008, Oakwood Leisure, the park's then-owners, admitted to failing to ensure passengers were properly secured and were fined £250,000.

That same year, the park was acquired by Spanish leisure company Aspro. In 2011, the ride was rebranded as Drenched.