Dreamworld tragedy: Ardent confirms closure of Thunder River Rapids ride

Ardent Leisure confirms the Thunder River Rapids ride will be permanently closed after four people were killed.

Ardent Leisure CEO Deborah Thomas and Dreamworld CEO Craig Davidson. Picture: Glenn Hunt

Ardent Leisure has confirmed Dreamworld’s Thunder River Rapids ride will be permanently closed after four tourists were killed riding it last month.

Ardent Leisure Chief Executive Officer Deborah Thomas announced the permanent closure of the ride this morning.

She said the closure was “only respectful and appropriate course of action”.

“Out of respect for the memories of Cindy Low, Roozbeh Araghi, Kate Goodchild and Luke Dorsett, and their deeply affected families, the ride will be permanently decommissioned,” Ms Thomas said.

Ms Thomas said the independent review of the park’s rides by engineering firm Pitt & Sherry was ongoing.

“Dreamworld is also well progressed on an internal review of every ride in the Park, which includes reviewing all operating policies and procedures,” she said.

“In addition to these reviews, Dreamworld remains committed to working closely with the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland team.

“No ride at Dreamworld will operate until the Workplace Health and Safety Audit has been completed and unless it passes the multi-level internal and external review process.”

Ms Thomas said the families would soon be invited to help create a “fitting and permanent memorial” to their loved ones.