
A once in 30-year event 30 years in the making is a book on the Dreamworld Incident
How and why the Dreamworld coroner’s report demonstrates what is wrong with current risk management practices
On Tuesday 25 October 2016, Dreamworld opened as usual at 10:00 am. The Thunder River Rapids Ride (TRRR) commenced operating with nine rafts in circulation and two ride operators.
The TRRR was an aquatic based family orientated ‘moderate thrill ride’ which was suitable for patrons over the age of two. It was designed to simulate white water rafting for six patrons, with the option of having three children seated on an adult’s lap within a circular raft. Statistically, the TRRR was the most popular ride in the theme park.
Raft 5 travelled through the water course without incident before being picked up by the conveyor at the end of the ride and moved towards the elevated unloading area. At this time, Raft 6, which was dispatched in front of Raft 5, became stranded on the steel support rails situated at the end of the conveyor near the unloading area due to the pump failure and a sudden drop in water level on the ride. Raft 5 continued to travel on the conveyor where it collided with Raft 6 before being lifted and pulled vertically into the conveyor mechanism.