Horrible news coming out Dreamworld on the Gold Coast of Australia, as the Queensland Police service confirm 4 dead following a tragic accident on the Thunder Rivers Rapids attraction.
The scene at the Thunder Rivers Rapids at Dreamworld after an accident leaves four dead. Image Courtesy of The Daily Mail
Police were called to Dreamworld around 2.20 p.m. local time (12:20 a.m. ET) following reports that a number of people had been injured by a conveyor belt. Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman Gavin Fuller said in a press conference earlier today that “One of the rides had sustained some sort of malfunction causing two people to be ejected from the ride. Another two people were caught inside the ride – two males and two females.”
Police have confirmed the victims were a 42-year-old woman, a 38-year-old man, a 35-year-old man and 32-year-old woman. We understand the victims were possibly from the same family and have been visiting from Canberra, the capital of Australia. Police have yet to confirm reports that the attraction closed twice earlier in the day due to mechanical issues.
Witness Lia Capes said to the local station 9News “I was speaking to one of the guys and he said it was the raft or the boat thing in front of him, the whole thing flipped and everyone was screaming. The kids and people in there were screaming. It all happened so quickly. There were heaps of people crying, it all happened so fast.”
“Dreamworld is currently closed until further notice due to an incident at the park. We are deeply shocked and saddened by today’s accident; our hearts and thoughts go to the families involved and their loved ones.” Dreamworld said in a written statement on their website.
Dreamworld is a major theme park at Coomera on the Gold Coast, almost 60km south of Brisbane, Australia. It is described as Australia’s largest theme park, with more than 40 rides and attractions.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected today. Stay tuned to Behind the Thrills for more on this story.
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