Family vacations are supposed to be fun-filled experiences; a bonding moment that strengthens their relationship. Theme parks are the usual go-to place where each member can enjoy. Adults and young children mostly have a good time strolling, dining in and riding the exhilarating rides that it offers. But on Tuesday, a family was shattered because of a surprising tragic lost.
Australia's biggest theme park, Dreamworld, made headlines last October 25, after four people were killed on its Thunder River Rapids ride.
The casualties are Cindy Low, 42; Kate Goodchild, 32; Luke Dorsett, 35, and his partner Roozi Araghi, 38. The group is from the same family. Their raft flipped leading two people to come out from the carriage and the others were caught inside.
According to The Telegraph, before the incident, some witnesses said that engineers had been called earlier that day to repair some mechanical glitches.
"They drained all the water out and then had to refill it back up, and then we were allowed to go. We were stuck there for about 30 to 40 minutes at least," witness said in a report.
Dreamworld is considered as the largest theme park in Australia with over 40 rides and attractions, including five roller coasters. It is located in Gold Coast, Queensland.
Following the incident, Stuff reported, "Kiwi holidaymakers planning on visiting Dreamworld have been offered full refunds after four people were killed when a ride malfunctioned."
One of the victims, Low, is from New Zealand. NZ Herald said the she was originally from Auckland. She had been living in Australia with her Kiwi husband and their two children, who were also in the themed park at the time of incident.
As reported, "The House of Travel spokesman said the Gold Coast was probably New Zealand's most popular short-haul family holiday destination. Nearly 190,000 Kiwis travelled to the Gold Coast in the year to last March."
On October 28, Dreamland will reopen to commemorate and give tribute for those who were killed.
Craig Davidson, Dreamworld Australia CEO, said, "The theme park's main focus is families, friends and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives and in particularly, the two children who were involved."
Two minors were also injured in the tragic accident. A 10-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were present when the mechanical failure caused their raft to flip.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull gave his sympathies to the families of the victims. He said, "Theme parks are a place for family fun and happiness, not tragedy."
Last April, Dreamworld was also put in controversy when a man was thrown from a log ride and caught up in the conveyor belt and nearly drowned. He was rushed to the Gold Coast University Hospital with facial lacerations and survived.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
