Victim’s father backs reforms

THE father of one of four people killed when a ride malfunctioned at Dreamworld last year has thrown his support behind an overhaul of the amusement park industry.

“Generally speaking, one would hope something would come out of this,” said Behrooz Araghi, father of Roozi Araghi.

“When they started to put fences around all pools in Australia it was because similar things had happened.

“That was one of the most important decisions made by a coroner.

“If the government is taking action ahead of time, if it’s in the right direction, of course I’d be pleased.”

Roozi Araghi, his partner of 10 years Luke Dorsett, Luke’s sister Kate Goodchild and Cindy Low lost their lives in October on the Thunder River Rapids Ride.

A State Government-commissioned report on Tuesday night revealed: rides at fetes and local shows are not being properly tested and that serious incidents on Australian rides might be attributed to inadequate training or operator error.

As a result, the report recommended a complete overhaul of the industry with more stringent regulations on ride operators.

Nearly a year after losing his son, Mr Araghi said he was still tormented by the thought that the deaths were completely avoidable.

“It wasn’t their turn to get on … somebody else was in front of them who would normally get on and then one of them had to go to the loo,” he said.

“It shouldn’t have happened to them, it should have happened to the other people, but it didn’t make any difference, they are human beings.

I HOPE THAT NO ONE ELSE WILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS

“If things can go wrong with other people, they can go wrong with you.

“That is something that going to be forever with us.

“I hope that no one else will have to go through this.”

Mr Araghi said no pain compared to the loss of a child.

The 74-year-old said he and his wife had five grandchildren who lived nearby but the Sydney-based couple are in the throes of moving from their home to a retirement village.

“Currently, we are in a bit of a mess,” he said.

“We are in the process of moving. My wife had to go to England for the funeral of my brother.” is