Luna Park Ghost Train Fire, Milsons Point, NSW, Australia
Posted by: 
Aussiebrian
S 33° 50.915 E 151° 12.593
56H E 334383 N 6253191
A fire in the Ghost Train ride caused the death of seven people.
Waymark Code: WM1851G
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 05/31/2023
Views: 5
Late on the evening of 7 June 1979, there were about thirty five people riding on the Ghost Train, one of the most popular rides at Luna Park. Some people smelt smoke and thought it was part of the ride.
The fire was not able to be extinguished quickly due to a combination of low water pressure, inadequate hose coverage and poor staff training.
It was initially thought that everyone escaped but later in the evening seven bodies were recovered. It was thought that they might have left the carriages and tried to escape as their bodies were together.
The Ghost Train is no longer one of the rides and is remembered with a plaque which can be viewed when the park is open.
Type of Structure: Private Building
Construction Date: 06/07/1979
Fire Date: 07/06/1979
Structure status: Plaque
Cause of Fire:
There have been many investigations into the cause of the fire, including criminal activities but the cause has never been established.
Documentation of the fire: [Web Link]
Other: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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