Police want Dreamworld closed longer to investigate

Police on Queensland's Gold Coast have expressed concern that, if the Dreamworld theme park reopens too soon, it could compromise an investigation into the deaths of four people.The Thunder River Rapids ride has been cornered off as investigators work to determine what caused the accident on the ride that killed them.

Police want Dreamworld closed longer to investigatePolice want Dreamworld closed longer to investigate

Police want Dreamworld closed longer to investigate

Safety concerns remain over Australia's biggest amusement park, Dreamworld, after the accident that killed four people on a ride earlier this week.

But queues are still forming at a nearby amusement park, Movie World, as many holiday-makers continue on with their plans undeterred.

Still, the tragedy at Dreamword was on their minds.

"It's terrible what happened. Bad accident. I feel for the families, but, yeah ... we'll go drop some flowers off and have some fun."

"It kind of puts you off going now to try out the rides, but I suppose you've just got to keep getting on with life and ... yeah."

"I would probably be a bit sceptical about visiting Dreamworld."

Tributes have continued to pour in at Dreamworld for the four victims, Kate Goodchild of Canberra, her brother Luke Dorsett, his partner Roozi Araghi and New Zealand-born Cindy Low.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says authorities are working hard to provide help to those who need it.

"I want to reassure people that, if anyone needs counselling, my Government is there to assist. Please contact Lifeline or Kids Help, because there will be a lot of shock in the community and a lot of grief in the community as well."

Police are still gathering key evidence at the scene of the accident.

There are concerns that, if the park reopens too soon, it could affect the investigation.

Queensland's assistant police commissioner, Brian Codd, says police will not leave the accident site until they have everything they want.

"We're working as fast as we can, but we are not going to compromise the speed or thoroughness in order for us to be able to vacate that area and not acquire the evidence or the facts that we need."

Nearly 40 witnesses have come forward to police, providing accounts of what they saw and heard.

A raft carrying six people collided with another raft on the Thunder River Rapids ride and flipped, trapping people underneath.

Dreamworld says it tests every ride each morning and complies with safety standards.

The company that owns the park, Ardent Leisure, held its annual general meeting today. Chief executive Deborah Thomas says she is shattered by the deaths.

"I'm a mother, I have a family. I take my family to Dreamworld. This could have been my family. And I'm completely sympathetic to what they must be going through, and I hope that I will be able to help them. And if I can't help them personally, we will make sure that we have everything in place to assist them through this tragedy. And that includes counsellors and also financial assistance with the immediate needs of the family.

Ms Thomas was set to be paid almost $840,000 as a performance bonus.

She declined comment, though, saying that was a question for the board and the shareholders.

Since the tragedy, the company's value has plunged 20 per cent, or $250 million.

 

 


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