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Woman dies after 'slipping from seat' and falling 26ft from rollercoaster

A woman has died after she fell 26ft from a rollercoaster in Germany.

The 57-year-old, who has not been named, fell from the ride in the Klotti wildlife and leisure park in Klotten, Germany, around 4.30pm on Sunday.

The Koblenz public prosecutor's office said on Monday that the woman, who was from Sankt Wendel, "slipped from her seat before she fell off from a height of about eight metres".

It said the rescue was made difficult by the uneven terrain around the ride.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police were investigating whether the ride "was the result of the fault of a third party," Bild newspaper reported.

It said investigators are working to establish the cause of death and engineering experts have been called in to examine the rollercoaster and the car she was riding.

However, the public prosecutor's office said "there is currently no initial suspicion of criminal conduct".

The park closed on Monday following the accident.

In a statement on Sunday a spokesperson said: "We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest sympathy to the family, relatives and friends.

"Our KLOTTI team is still shocked and stunned."

On Monday, another statement said the park would reopen on Tuesday.

"Authorities are still investigating how the accident happened," a spokesperson said. They said on-site investigations have been completed and the roller coaster had been cleared to be put back into operation.

But they were having it checked again "as a precaution" by officials from Germany's Technical Inspection Association and as such it will remain temporarily closed.

The statement added: "We are still very affected and it will be difficult for us to return to everyday life. Our thoughts are with the relatives, we wish them a lot of strength and confidence in these difficult times."

The park's website describes the roller coaster as being "not for the faint-hearted".

It adds: "Full of curves, maximum gradient and up to 60 kilometres per hour, it can take your breath away and your heart leave its usual place."