“At this stage, the park is closed and Dreamworld is working closely with police and emergency services and authorities to establish the facts around the incident,” Dreamworld chief executive Craig Davidson said. He also added that his company was “shocked”. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also expressed his condolences and said: “Theme parks are a place for family fun and happiness, not tragedy.” The victims were possibly from the same family and may have been visiting from interstate. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said that the incident marked “a very sad day for our city.” According to Dreamworld, visitors as young as two years old can ride the Thunder River Rapids, but under-fours must be accompanied by an adult. Considered as a family ride, the Thunder River Rapids Ride has had problems in the past, including one almost-fatal incident in April.
