The queue then bridged across part of the ride's water storage area before reaching the circular station.

[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 vacant, to become stranded on its support rails near the end of the raft conveyor, meaning that it was unable to reach the unloading area.

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.

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident; our hearts and thoughts go out to the families involved and their loved ones.

[15] However, the reopening to the public was subject to discussions with Queensland police as the ride was being treated as a crime scene.

[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.

[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.

[23][24] 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.

[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".

[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.