A student who was injured in a rollercoaster accident lost her fight for life yesterday.

Gemma Louise Savage, who was studying at Durham University's Stockton campus, died in hospital from injuries she suffered at Lightwater Valley, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, on Wednesday,

The 20-year-old was airlifted unconscious to Leeds General Infirmary with head and spine injuries after two cars on the newly-opened Treetop Twister ride collided.

News of her death came as police confirmed they were launching a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

There was a muted atmosphere on the Stockton campus last night as news of the traged reached staff and students.

Gemma had just completed her second year reading bio-medical sciences.

John Hayward, provost of Durham University's Stockton campus, said: "Gemma was a lively, hard-working student who was committed to her course and doing extremely well.

"Staff and students are deeply shocked and send their sympathies to her family."

Gemma, who comes from South Yorkshire, is understood to have been visiting the theme park with friends to celebrate the end of term and her death will cast a black cloud over next week's graduation ceremonies, to be led by chancellor Sir Peter Ustinov.

Three men in their 20s, including another Durham University student, were also involved in the accident. They were discharged from hospital yesterday. One suffered a broken arm.

A spokesperson for Lightwater Valley said: "All of the staff and management are deeply shocked by this news and extend their sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased."

The park was closed yesterday to allow HSE investigators to continue their inquiry and as a mark of respect, but it is expected to reopen today.

A spokeswoman for the HSE said: "It appears that two cars collided but exactly how that happened is what we will be investigating, and hopefully sooner rather than later."

The Treetop Twister, opened by girl band The Honeyz last month, was one of two new rides to be unveiled at the park this year.

The HSE has issued a prohibition notice preventing the ride from being reopened until permission is given.

The accident is the third to hit Lightwater Valley in the past ten years. Five people were injured when two cars collided on the Ultimate ride in 1991, and three years later the company was fined £25,000 after an axle broke on the same ride.

Gemma's family, from Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, were too distressed to comment last night.