Thunder River Rapids Ride

This article is about the river rapids at Dreamworld. For the river rapids at three Six Flags amusement parks, see Thunder River (ride).

The Thunder River Rapids Ride was a river rapid type water ride located in the Town of Gold Rush section of the Dreamworld theme park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.^[3]

Thunder River Rapids Ride
The main rapids section of the Thunder River Rapids Ride.
Dreamworld
Area	Town of Gold Rush
Coordinates	27°51′44.44″S 153°18′54.85″E / 27.8623444°S 153.3152361°E / -27.8623444; 153.3152361
Status	Removed
Opening date	11 December 1986 (1986-12-11)
Closing date	25 October 2016 (2016-10-25)^[a]
Replaced by	Steel Taipan
General statistics
Type	River rafting ride
Model	Custom
Length	410 m (1,350 ft)
Speed	45 km/h (28 mph)
Duration	4:10
Height restriction	120 cm (3 ft 11 in)
Website
Ride Express available

After four riders were killed on it in late October 2016, the ride was closed. On 9 November 2016, Ardent Leisures' CEO announced that the ride would not reopen, and was to be demolished. In October 2017, police recommended that no criminal charges be laid against any person in relation to the deaths.

History

Gold Rush Country (now known as the Town of Gold Rush) opened on 11 December 1986. The area featured the Eureka Mountain Mine Ride and the Thunder River Rapids Ride. Although resembling an Intamin River rapids ride, Thunder River Rapids was neither built nor supplied by Intamin. A Sydney-based company was commissioned to supply the vessels in 1983.^[4] The Thunder River Rapids Ride was among the most popular rides at Dreamworld until its closure.^[5]

Characteristics

At the time of closure, Thunder River Rapids Ride was one of Dreamworld’s nine family rides alongside Dreamworld Express, Escape from Madagascar, Gingy’s Glider, MAD Jungle Jam, Rocky Hollow Log Ride, Shockwave, Skadoosh Bumper Cars, Vintage Car Adventure.^[6] The ride consisted of several circular rafts which can carry up to 6 riders each.

The ride was 410 metres (1,350 ft) long and had a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour (28 mph). An entire cycle on the Thunder River Rapids Ride lasted approximately 4 minutes.^{[citation needed]}

Ride experience

 

The rapids were achieved by logs attached to the base of a river channel.

Queue

Riders entered a long indoor queue with several switchbacks. The queue then bridged across part of the ride's water storage area before reaching the circular station. This station originally featured a rotating platform which allowed riders to mount and dismount the boats without the need for the boats to stop.

Ride

Riders would board one of several six-person circular rafts.^[7] The raft was dispatched and the riders travelled back past the ride's queue and into a cave. Upon exiting the cave, riders experienced the main rapids section of the ride. This section ran alongside a large water catchment which contained the water storage for the Thunder River Rapids Ride. The raft then went under the Eureka Mountain Mine Ride's station and headed back towards its own station. Before departing the ride, guests were brought back up to the level of the station by a conveyor belt.^[8]

2016 fatal accident

2016 Thunder River Rapids Ride accident

The site of the river rapids ride in October 2020, now the site of Steel Taipan.
Date	October 25, 2016
Location	Dreamworld, Gold Coast, Australia
Type	Amusement ride accident
Cause	Improper maintenance and lack of staff training
Deaths	4
Coroner	James McDougall
Arrests	None
Charges	3
Verdict	Ardent Leisure fined A$3,600,000 for the breach of the Work Health and Safety Act^[9]

On 25 October 2016, a malfunction of the Thunder River Rapids Ride resulted in the deaths of four people.^[10] It is regarded as the worst accident at an Australian theme park since the 1979 Sydney Ghost Train fire at Luna Park Sydney.^[4]

Due to the failure of one of the two large water pumps essential for the ride's operation, the water level in the ride dropped quickly, causing a raft, which was occupied by six patrons, to become stranded on its support rails near the end of the raft conveyor, meaning that it was unable to reach the unloading area. Approximately one minute later, another raft, carrying six passengers, moved down the conveyor and collided with the stranded raft. Both rafts pivoted upwards, driven by movement of the conveyor, before the first raft fell back to a level position, resting on the support rails. The second raft was forced into a vertical position by the conveyor, and its passengers either fell out of the raft or became trapped close to the conveyor mechanism, resulting in fatal injuries to four passengers.

Once the conveyor had been shut down by park staff, the surviving passengers, both of whom were children, were able to climb out of the second raft, still in a vertical position, on to nearby platforms. The two survivors were reportedly to be physically unharmed, but were sent to hospital and offered counselling.^[11][12]

More than seven paramedic crews had responded to the 000 call, along with firefighters and police.^[10] They recovered the bodies of the deceased, which were badly disfigured from crush and compression injuries.^[13]

Dreamworld released a statement on its website and Facebook page stating:

Dreamworld is currently closed until further notice due to an incident at the park. We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident; our hearts and thoughts go out to the families involved and their loved ones.^[14]

Dreamworld announced that the park would reopen on 28 October for a special memorial service for the victims.^[15] However, the reopening to the public was subject to discussions with Queensland police as the ride was being treated as a crime scene.^[16] The 28 October reopening was cancelled on 27 October.^[17]

Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate, offered his condolences to the families of those affected and promised support, financially and emotionally, to all those involved.^[18] The Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, offered his condolences and support, releasing a statement via Twitter: "I'm very saddened by the tragedy at Dreamworld today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families."^[19]

On 29 October, the Queensland Government announced a "blitz" of safety inspections and an audit of state workplace health and safety laws.^[20]

The Busch Gardens Tampa theme park in Florida, USA, shut its Congo River Rapids ride in response to the incident, until the cause of the Dreamworld had been determined.^[21][22] It was reopened on 26 October, after a review and safety check had been completed.^[23][24]

Permanent closure

On 9 November, Ardent Leisure chief executive, Deborah Thomas, announced that the Thunder River Rapids Ride would be permanently closed, out of respect to the victims and their families, and that they would be invited to help create a memorial in its place.^[1][2] The ride was dismantled and the location fenced off.^[25][26]

In a report to the Queensland Coroner in October 2017, police recommended that no criminal charges be laid against any person.^[27]

Coroner's report

The Queensland Coroner, James McDougall, released a report on 24 February 2020, detailing "irresponsible", "dangerous" and "inadequate" safety practices at the theme park that contributed to the four deaths, and recommending the Queensland office of industrial relations consider a prosecution. The ride had endured frequent breakdowns in the days leading up to the accident, and had several design and construction problems which contributed to the accident.^[28]

Mr McDougall told a Brisbane court Dreamworld had a reputation as a "modern, world-class theme park" yet its safety and maintenance systems were "rudimentary at best".^[29]

and that:

... he would refer Dreamworld's parent company, Ardent Leisure, to the Queensland Office of Industrial Relations. He said Ardent Leisure "may have committed an offence under workplace laws".^[29]

Charges

On 21 July 2020, it was announced that three charges had been laid against Ardent Leisure, Dreamworld's parent company. The charges were filed by the Work Health and Safety prosecutor, under the Work Health and Safety Act, at the Brisbane Magistrates Court. The matter was first heard on July 29 in the Southport Magistrates Court.^[30] On the day before the scheduled trial, on 28 July 2020, Ardent Leisure pleaded guilty to the charges.^[31] Subsequently, in September 2020, they were fined $3.6 million (US$2.8 million) for the breach of the Work Health and Safety Act.^[9] In addition, a settlement amount for $2.1 million was paid to the family of one of the victims.^[32]

Aftermath

Thunder River's remaining structures were demolished in 2018.^[33] On 23 August 2019, the park announced that a new roller coaster, Steel Taipan, would take its place in 2021 and also consume a portion of the area in use by the former Eureka Mountain Mine Ride.^[34] In total, Ardent Leisure reportedly paid out more than $5 million in compensation to the families of the victims as well as to emergency responders and witnesses.^[35] A memorial garden for the victims was built near the site of the Thunder River Rapids Ride.^[36]

Notes

1. Although the ride was temporarily closed after the incident on 25 October 2016, it was later deemed to be closed indefinitely. On 9 November 2016 it was shut permanently and later demolished, in a mark of respect for the families involved.^[1][2]

References

1. "Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids Ride to be demolished after theme park deaths". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 9 November 2016. from the original on 9 November 2016. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
2. "Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids ride that killed four people to be demolished". The Guardian. Australian Associated Press. 8 November 2016. ISSN 0261-3077. from the original on 9 November 2016. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
3. (PDF). Dreamworld. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 March 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2010.
4. Ludlow, Mark; Marin-Guzman, David (2 November 2016). "Dreamworld's rapids ride different from others around the world". Financial Review. from the original on 3 November 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
5. (PDF). Dreamworld. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 August 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2010.
6. . Dreamworld. Archived from the original on 23 January 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
7. "Thunder River Rapids (Dreamworld)". Database Entry. Parkz. from the original on 22 March 2015. Retrieved 20 November 2010.
8. lollydove (9 September 2010). . Video. YouTube. Archived from the original on 2 July 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2010.
9. "Dreamworld owner fined $3.6m over deaths of four people on Thunder River Rapids ride". The Guardian. Australian Associated Press. 28 September 2020. ISSN 0261-3077. from the original on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
10. "Dreamworld: Four people killed on Thunder River Rapids ride at Gold Coast theme park". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 25 October 2016. from the original on 17 June 2019. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
11. Wahlquist, Calla (26 October 2016). "Dreamworld tragedy: 'miracle escape' for two children on fatal theme park ride". The Guardian. from the original on 20 December 2022. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
12. "Inquest into the deaths of Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett, Cindy Low & Roozbeh Araghi at Dreamworld, October 2016" (PDF). Queensland Courts. 24 February 2020. (PDF) from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
13. "The horrific images Dreamworld first responders saw on that disastrous Thunder River Rapids ride". from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
14. "Gold Coast's BIGGEST Theme Park | Dreamworld". www.dreamworld.com.au. from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
15. "Dreamworld to reopen on Friday for memorial service after ride tragedy". 9news.com.au. from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
16. "Dreamworld accident: Qld Police to meet with theme park over reopening". Brisbane Times. 27 October 2016. from the original on 28 October 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
17. "Dreamworld's grim reopening cancelled at last minute". news.com.au. 27 October 2016. from the original on 28 October 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
18. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says "it's a very sad day for our city". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 26 October 2016. from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
19. "Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) | Twitter". twitter.com. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
20. "Australian theme parks to undergo 'safety blitz'". NewsComAu. News Limited. AAP. 29 October 2016. from the original on 30 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2016. "This is about protecting visitors to our theme parks and restoring public confidence in Queensland's prime tourism assets" – Grace Grace (Queensland Industrial Relations Minister)
21. McMah, Lauren (27 October 2016). "US theme park ride shuts down over Dreamworld tragedy". NewsComAu. News Limited. from the original on 30 October 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
22. Branco, Jorge (27 October 2016). "US theme park temporarily shuts rapids ride". Brisbane Times. from the original on 31 October 2016. Retrieved 6 November 2016.
23. "Busch Gardens reopens Congo River Rapids ride". FOX13 News. 26 October 2016. from the original on 7 November 2016. Retrieved 6 November 2016.
24. "Busch Gardens closes 'Congo River Rapids' ride after deadly accident on similar ride in Australia". WFTS. 26 October 2016. from the original on 7 November 2016. Retrieved 6 November 2016.
25. Brook, Benedict (10 December 2016). "The one thing you won't see at Dreamworld now it's open". new.com.au. from the original on 22 December 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
26. Kishore, Divya (10 December 2016). "Australia's Dreamworld theme park reopens after fatal accident but witnesses low attendance". International Business Times UK. from the original on 22 December 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
27. Stolz, Greg (21 October 2017). "Dreamworld tragedy: Police recommend Coronial hearing ahead of first anniversary of Thunder River Rapids incident". couriermail.com.au. News Corp. from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
28. Smee, Ben (24 February 2020). "Dreamworld inquest findings: coroner details 'dangerous' safety practices after examining four deaths on ride". theguardian.com. Guardian News & Media Limited. from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
29. McKenna, Kate (24 February 2020). "Dreamworld Thunder River Rapids accident inquest findings handed down by coroner". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020. The Coroner (Queensland south-eastern coroner James McDougall) said: " ...there had been a "systemic failure by Dreamworld in relation to all aspects of safety" and that he was referring parent company Ardent Leisure for possible prosecution.
30. McKenna, Kate; Siganto, Talissa; and, Staff (21 July 2020). "Dreamworld parent company Ardent Leisure faces three charges over deadly ride accident". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
31. Jose, Renju (28 July 2020). "Ardent Leisure pleads guilty in Australian court over Dreamworld fatal accident". www.reuters.com. Reuters. from the original on 1 August 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
32. Martinich, Rex (22 December 2022). "Dreamworld to pay $2.1m to family of Thunder River Rapids victim". The Age. from the original on 22 December 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
33. "Thunder River Rapids Ride: Dreamworld ride torn down almost 18 months after four lives were lost at Gold Coast theme park". March 2018. from the original on 1 March 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
34. Parkz (13 April 2021). "It's Mack Time - Dreamworld's Steel Taipan roller coaster goes vertical". Parkz. from the original on 23 August 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
35. "Cost of Dreamworld tragedy could reach $20 million". 9News. 25 January 2020. from the original on 20 December 2022. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
36. Parkz Members. "Dreamworld Memorial Garden Open". Parkz. from the original on 19 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.

External links

• Official webpage