KANSAS CITY, Nov 22 — Thrillseekers may find this idea appealing. Those who suffer from vertigo will find it horrifying: the world’s tallest water slide is being built in Kansas City, sending adrenaline junkies down a 17-storey drop.

‘Insane’, a 17-storey plunge steeper than Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty.©Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts
‘Insane’, a 17-storey plunge steeper than Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty.©Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts

Named Verruckt, which means “insane” in German, the new theme park attraction will be taller than Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty (from her toes to her torch), sending a raft of four riders down a 15-metre chute.

When the Verruckt, designed by waterpark attraction specialists the Schlitterbahn Development Group, is completed next year, it will break the current record held by the Kilimanjaro at the Aguas Quentes Country Club in Rio de Janeiro — a record the park has held since 2002.

To get to the top, riders will have to climb 264 stairs.

A documentary on the towering attraction being built is being produced by The Travel Channel.

The official height will be revealed in the spring, when the ride is completed. — AFP/Relaxnews