Australia’s Dreamworld in damage-control mode after riders’ deaths

The Gold Coast’s largest theme park is scrambling after four adults died on a water ride. Reports alleging improper maintenance are emerging.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

With one crash, a day at an Australian theme park turned tragic.

Four adults died on the park’s Thunder River Rapids ride after their raft collided with another raft, tossing them onto the ride’s conveyor belt and trapping them in the machinery.

Two children, ages 10 and 12, survived the accident.

The BBC reported:

Queensland assistant police commissioner Brian Codd said it was “almost a miracle that anybody came out of that”, adding: “If we’re going to be thankful for anything, I’m thankful for that.”

Following the accident, Dreamworld tweeted the following messages:

We are deeply shocked and saddened by today’s accident; our hearts and thoughts go to the families involved and their loved ones.

— Dreamworld (@Dreamworld_AU) October 25, 2016

Dreamworld is currently closed until further notice due to an incident at the park.

— Dreamworld (@Dreamworld_AU) October 25, 2016

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.