UPDATE: Families at Gold Coast face a holiday nightmare as efforts to dismantle a dangerous, broken crane are thwarted by severe weather conditions. On December 25, 2023, a vicious storm slammed the area, with a “microburst” causing a 30-tonne crane to snap in half and dangle perilously over Broadwater Tourist Park.
The chaotic scene forced the evacuation of 39 campsites, leaving visitors to abandon their belongings in the rush. As more strong winds are forecasted, recovery efforts remain stalled. “The crane is a serious risk, and with families still in the area, we need to act quickly,” said an official from the park.
Authorities report that the storm’s damage resembles that of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, but this time it hit during the festive season with families hoping for a peaceful holiday. Despite the chaos, park officials confirmed that there were no injuries from the storm. However, many guests faced significant damage to their campsites, with over 230 sites occupied at the time.
Engineers and police are currently working around the clock to devise a plan for safely dismantling the crane. Two additional cranes will need to be constructed on-site to remove the damaged infrastructure, but strong winds are hindering this critical operation. “We are thankful no serious injuries occurred, but many guests are understandably shaken,” a park representative stated.
As the situation develops, visitors are urged to stay updated and heed safety advisories. The park emphasizes its commitment to ensuring safety and restoring normalcy as quickly as possible.
Families and tourists hoping to enjoy the Gold Coast holiday experience are left anxious and uncertain. Authorities are monitoring the weather closely, and further updates will follow as recovery efforts progress.
