Two weeks after Dreamworld’s horror, “freak” ride malfunction which killed for people, the theme park giant has announced it will permanently close its Thunder River Rapids Ride.
The decision to decommission the ride was made “out for respect” for the victims, Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett, Roozbeh Araghi, and Cindy Low, and their grieving families.
“Out of respect for the memories [of the victims] and their deeply affected families, the ride will be permanently decommissioned,” Ardent Leisure CEO Deborah Thomas announced in a statement on Wednesday morning.
“The closure of the ride is the only respectful and appropriate course of action.”
Thomas, who has received personal threats since the incident, also said a review of all remaining rides at Dreamworld and Whitewater World was already underway.
The malfunction was the result of suspected “electrical problems, pump problems and human problems including compliance with policies and procedures”.
“No ride at Dreamworld will operate until the Workplace Health and Safety Audit has been completed,” Thomas said.
The families of the victims will be invited to make a “fitting and permanent memorial to their loved ones” when appropriate.