Dreamworld tragedy: Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk pays tribute to witnesses and emergency services

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed her own family had recently been on the same ride at the centre of today’s accident, adding that Queensland and the country were in a “deep sense of shock”.

• Dreamworld deaths: Four dead in ride tragedy
• Premier: ‘A horrific, horrific scene’
• Conveyor belt system shut down other rides
• Fatal ride closed earlier in the day
• Witnesses: ‘People were in there screaming’
• Tourists reassured after tragic deaths

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed her own family had been at the theme park recently and went on the same ride at the centre of today’s accident.

She said Queensland and the country were in a “deep sense of shock”.

“This is a ride that thousands and thousands of families have been on,” she said.

“It should have been a wonderful family day out.

“We’ve got to get to the bottom of this because we don’t want anything to jeapordise the Gold Coast as a world class tourist destination.”

She said Police Commissioner Ian Stewart had told her that police and ambulance crews would be among witnesses and others who would need counselling services.

She said authorities would try to get in contact with people who had been at the park today and had since left.

“We need to make sure that everyone gets the counselling that they may need,” she said.

People who need help have been asked to call Lifeline on 13 11 44. to reassure people qld is a safe place to ocme and visit.”

EARLIER: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says counsellors are being rushed to Dreamworld to calm people who witnessed a “horrific, horrific scene”.

Ms Palaszczuk said the Government was mobilising professional help as investigators continued to work into the early hours of tomorrow morning to establish how the tragedy unfolded.

“I understand there were many witnesses,” she said.

“The scene, I’m told, was horrific. It was a horrific scene.”

The Premier said counsellors would work with park staff who had tried to help the victims, as well as track down those who had been visiting the park when the accident took place to offer them assistance.

“This has been an absolute tragedy, a tragic accident at Dreamworld where many thousands of people go on a daily basis,” she said.

“Honestly, everyone is in deep shock that this has actually happened at one of our most popular theme parks.”

She said the hearts of all Queenslanders went out to the victims and their families and a “thorough investigation” would be held.

Ms Palaszczuk is being briefed by Police Commissioner Ian Stewart from Mackay, where she today attended tourism conference DestinationQ.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has also offered his condolences over the accident.

“I’m very saddened to learn of the tragic accident at Dreamworld earlier today,” he said in a statement.

“Theme parks are a place for for family fun and happiness, not tragedy.

“This is a very, very sad, tragic event.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their lives.”

“The staff of dreamworld are like a family and they are very affected, but for the families involved in this tragedy, Gold Coasters will rally as one and we will do what we can to help.” GC Mayor Tom Tate

Federal Tourism Minister Steven Ciobo, who is based on the Gold Coast, has also expressed his sadness over the deaths at Dreamworld.

“Prayers and sincere condolences for those heartbroken by today’s tragedy,” he tweeted.