DREAMWORLD INQUEST DATES SET
THE long-awaited inquest into the deaths of four people killed in the Dreamworld ride disaster could start in June or July.
It will examine the circumstances around the October 2016 malfunction of the Thunder River Rapids ride that caused the deaths of Kate Goodchild, her brother Luke Dorsett and his partner Roozi Araghi, and Cindy Low.
The Brisbane Coroners Court heard yesterday the theme park visitors had boarded raft five on the ride, which had been designed for families with children and had been a key attraction at the park since December 1986.
Raft five’s journey was without incident until it reached the end, where it was collected by a conveyor belt.
Ms Goodchild, Mr Dorsett, Mr Araghi and Ms Low were caught in the mechanism of the ride and were trapped or thrown into the water.
Following the tragedy, police and safety specialists launched an investigation and are expected to give evidence when the coronial inquiry hearings begin.
Yesterday it was proposed the inquest be held in two parts. The first, which could occur in June or July, will investigate the construction, maintenance, safety and history of the ride. It will also examine emergency services’ response and the training of Dreamworld staff. The second part will look at laws around theme park operations.