The key to the Gold Coast’s Dreamworld inquiry will be the safety measures taken before guests boarded

INVESTIGATORS are probing whether Dreamworld fully tested the Thunder Rapids Ride before allowing visitors back on their fatal journey on the raft.

INVESTIGATORS are probing whether Dreamworld fully tested the Thunder Rapids Ride before allowing visitors back on their fatal journey on one of the rafts last Tuesday.

Emergency Services sources suggest a key part of the investigation is assessing the safety methodology used by the theme park to determine “whether the machinery will be safe for occupancy and ready to go”.

The findings are tipped to have a nationwide impact for tourist operators, with the Coroner able to make it compulsory for parks to test run troubled rides without guests on board.

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Investigations continue into the fatal accident at Dreamworld. Picture: Jono Searle

The Bulletin, after the incident which killed four tourists, exclusively revealed a pump malfunction was to blame.

An emergency services source yesterday told the Bulletin: “They will be looking at the functioning of the machinery. The biggest thing is how it reacted to the initial burnout.

“After the breakdown, test runs should have taken place.

Dreamworld victims Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett, Roozi Araghi, and Cindy Low.

“It will be something investigators and engineers will look at closely to brief the Coroner.

“He will look at all the findings and know the options. This may have national implications for how theme parks are managed.

“The inquiry isn’t about brickbats and blaming people.

“It’s about avoiding future tragedies and better ways of doing business.”

Police and investigators arrive at Dreamworld as the investigation into the ride tragedy continues. Picture: Scott Fletcher

Reports yesterday suggested Dreamworld had admitted the water pump failed routinely before last week’s tragedy and the ride had not been physically inspected by government safety officials in years.

But when asked for further comment, the theme park’s management again refused to go into detail about the investigation.

“Dreamworld has not made any comment with regard to the pump on the Thunder River Rapids ride, or about any potential cause of Tuesday’s incident, and nor will it do so while the Coronial investigation is under way,” a spokesman said.

“Dreamworld has been asked many questions about the Thunder River Rapids ride and our response firmly remains that the Thunder River Rapids ride was fully compliant with all relevant safety standards at the time of Tuesday’s incident.”

Canberra mother Kate Goodchild, 32, her brother Luke Dorsett, his partner Roozi Araghi and a 42-year-old Sydney-based New Zealand woman, Cindy Low, were killed when the raft overturned on a conveyor.

Members of the general public still arriving to pay their respects. Picture: Scott Fletcher

Police sources said a re-enactment of the ride was conducted yesterday as part of the investigation.

Investigators have obtained CCTV footage of the incident but the testing could show the impact of weight, with dummies placed on the rafts for some runs and not used in others.

The six-seater circular raft carrying the four tourists was approaching a conveyor which takes the craft from the water, when it was blocked in front by an empty raft.

Red Cross volunteers cover the floral tributes with plastic to protect them from rain. Picture: Scott Fletcher

Investigators will consider the level of water in the ride when the pump resumed working, and any impact on the craft from a potential rush of water.

It is understood a police helicopter yesterday ensured air space above Dreamworld was clear.

The on-site investigation was expected to continue for weeks but the crime scene could be cleared early next week.

Detectives are working with machinery specialists from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.