British girl dies in SA waterfall tragedy

A seven-year-old British girl died after plunging 210ft down a waterfall in South Africa, despite frantic attempts by her mother to rescue her.

Bethany Park, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, fell into the water while trying to cross a stream at Lisbon Falls.

Her mother Amanda jumped in to try to rescue the youngster but both were dragged over a smaller waterfall by the swirling currents.

The daughter tried to step on a rock but it was very slippery

Sergeant Cobus Nel

Bethany was then swept further on and over the main waterfall.

The South African policeman investigating her death said that Bethany's mother and father Courtney were on holiday visiting Mr Park's brother Mark, who lives in Johannesburg.

Fatal fall

Sergeant Cobus Nel said: "The daughter tried to step on a rock but it was very slippery and she went down as she tried to cross a stream.

"It was about 20 to 25 metres from the edge of a waterfall and the mother jumped into the river to try to rescue her.

"But the water was too much and Mrs Park was also swept away. Both of them were swept over a small waterfall.

"The mother lost control of the child and she was swept further on, over the main waterfall."

Bethany's father rushed down the hill alongside the tourist attraction but Bethany was killed in the fall, said Sgt Nel.

He said Mrs Park, 32, whose younger daughter was at the scene at the time of the accident, has been transferred to the Unitas Hospital in Pretoria where she was reported to be stable.

Mr Park, 34, is being comforted by relatives.

Deadly beauty spot

The Lisbon Falls are five miles from the town of Graskop in Mpumalanga province, close to the Kruger National Park which draws millions of visitors a year for its game viewing.

The waterfall is also close to a spectacular viewing point in the Drakensburg Mountains, known as God's Window.

"This was a very tragic accident," said Sgt Nel.

"People don't realise the dangers of the waters at Lisbon Falls, even though there are warning signs.

"It's one of the most beautiful spots around here but it can be deadly."

The accident comes a week after the death of British teenager Cara Weaver at South Africa's Table Mountain.

The 14-year-old's family watched in horror as she was crushed by a cable car as she prepared to abseil down the mountain.