New revelations have come to light surrounding the tragedy at Dreamworld earlier this week.
According to 7News a failed water pump caused the ride to malfunction, causing the water levels to lower and a the raft in front to become stuck.
The raft containing the passengers then collided with the stationary raft and flipped.
Illustrating the growing scrutiny the park is facing for its management practices, the Daily Mail today reports the woman in charge of operating the emergency stop button on the Thunder River Rapids ride was only 18 and it is believed that it was her first day on the job. There is no suggestion any employees were in any way to blame for the accident, which reports say appears to be entirely mechanical in nature.
The theme park was planning to re-open on Friday morning at 11am, with entry proceeds going to Australian Red Cross. However late this afternoon, news broke the re-opening had been shelved, reportedly at police request.
‘Activities will be limited to smaller rides, animal attractions, and the water park,’ Dreamworld said in a statement, before the plans were suddenly cancelled.