Four adults — two men and two women — have been killed in an incident at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, police have confirmed. It is reported the deceased adults were aged between 32 and early 40s.
Emergency services were called to the Gold Coast theme park at around 2pm this afternoon amid reports of an incident on the Thunder River Rapids ride.
Nine News reports helicopter footage revealed the ride’s six-seat rafts flipped on the ride’s conveyor belt, which typically returns guests to the disembarking area.
In a press conference this evening, Dreamworld CEO Craig Davidson announced the theme park was closed until further notice, adding that Dreamworld is working closely with police and authorities.
He said the “tragic deaths of four people” have left him and his employees “deeply shocked and saddened”.
“Our hearts and our thoughts go to the families involved and their loved ones,” he told the group of media personnel.
A police spokesperson said workplace health and safety officers, as well as the state coroner and forensic crash unit, are in attendance at the scene.
“This matter is now a coronial investigation and being investigated by workplace health and safety,” he said.
Until the deceased adults’ next of kins are contacted, and “due process” is taken, the policeman said it would be “inappropriate” to identify the victims.