Dreamworld on-site boss denies obstructing police investigation during tearful testimony
The Thunder River Rapid rafts after the fatal accident. Photo: AAP
Dreamworld’s on-site boss has denied obstructing a police investigation into the deaths of four people on the Thunder River Rapids ride, breaking down while giving evidence at the inquest.
Troy Margetts, who was the general manager of park operations at the time of the tragedy two years ago, became emotional in the witness stand when asked whether he told a staff member not to talk to police.
In June, Courtney Williams, one of two people running the rapids ride, told the inquest she was instructed by a senior park manager at Dreamworld not to speak to police after the tragedy, but said she later gave a statement to officers at a station.
During cross examination on Friday, barrister Toby Nielsen, representing the Araghi family, told Mr Margetts that Ms Williams “felt pressured by you”.
Mr Nielsen said he would “like to give [Mr Margetts] an opportunity to respond to that”.
“My response to that is that did not happen in any way,” Mr Margetts said as he became tearful.
Mr Margetts attempted to continue with his response but paused for long periods of time after being overcome with emotion.
“My only conversation regarding that … sorry … sorry … was to ask the officer to remove her from that situation because of where she was … and because what we were seeing was very traumatic.”
Mr Margetts wiped away tears as he responded.
Mr Nielsen, who asked Ms Williams about the event when she gave evidence in June, accepted Mr Margetts’ testimony.
“Mr Margetts, can I say from my observation of you today, on behalf of myself and the people that I represent, that I wholly accept that explanation,” Mr Nielsen said.
Mr Margetts left the theme park in January this year.
The inquiry into the deaths of Cindy Low, Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett and Roozi Araghi has been sitting for the past fortnight and will resume for two weeks in November.
Clockwise: Luke Dorsett, his sister Kate Goodchild, his partner Roozi Araghi and Cindy Low died on the River Rapids Ride.