Disney ride girl still 'critical'

Leanne Deacon suffered a heart attack on the Tower of Terror ride

A teenager from Leicestershire remains in a critical condition after suffering from heart problems following a ride at the Disney World theme park in Florida.

Leanne Deacon, 16, from Kibworth, was taken to hospital and underwent emergency surgery on Tuesday.

She was transferred by helicopter to a specialist unit in Orlando.

The 199ft ride is set in a haunted hotel and lasts five minutes. Visitors shoot up 13 storeys in an elevator before plummeting back to the ground.

A Walt Disney spokesperson said: "We remain deeply concerned about (Leanne's) welfare and are providing assistance to her family during this difficult time."

Hospital transfer

The Tower of Terror ride reopened on Wednesday after a thorough inspection found no sign of malfunction.

She had complained of feeling shaky and light-headed when she got off the ride but her condition rapidly deteriorated and a Disney employee called the paramedics.

The 16-year-old underwent surgery on Tuesday night

Leanne was taken to the Celebration Hospital near Disney World but had to be resuscitated en route when she lost consciousness and her heart stopped.

She underwent surgery on Tuesday night before being transferred to the Florida Hospital, Orlando.

In 1998, seven people were treated for back and neck pain after some of the bolts broke on the elevator cables on the same ride.