The Phantom Riders of Luna Park Sydney
Luna Park Sydney is in Milsons Point, New South Wales, Australia. It was a favorite spot for families. But, a tragic event on June 9, 1979, changed everything. A fire in the Ghost Train killed seven people, including six children and one adult.
The Ghost Train was a 180-meter-long ride at the park. It was known for its spooky and thrilling journey. But, on that night, a fire broke out, trapping and killing those on board.
Many rumors have come up about the fire. Some say it was arson or a faulty wire. Others believe it was a cigarette. The mystery has become a part of Australian folklore. People say the ghosts of those who died haunt Luna Park, their cries heard at night.
Key Takeaways
- The Ghost Train fire at Luna Park Sydney on June 9, 1979 resulted in the tragic deaths of 7 people, including 6 children and 1 adult.
- The specific cause of the fire remains unknown, with speculations ranging from arson to faulty wiring or a discarded cigarette.
- The incident has become a part of Australian folklore, with rumors of paranormal activity and conspiracy theories surrounding the tragedy.
- The Ghost Train attraction was a 180-meter-long ride that drew many visitors to the amusement park before the fatal fire.
- The Luna Park Ghost Train fire has been a subject of interest for true crime enthusiasts and historians, with detailed coverage from reputable news sources.
The Dark History of Luna Park’s Ghost Train Attraction
The Ghost Train was a key attraction at Sydney’s Luna Park. It was originally a storeroom but became a thrilling ride. It featured spooky elements like dancing skeletons and Dracula in a graveyard.
But, the Ghost Train’s history is filled with tragedy. A fire on June 9, 1979, killed seven people. Witnesses saw bikers talking about fire before the blaze.
“Witnesses described a group of bearded bikies wearing leather jackets and knee-high boots riding the Ghost Train.”
Five teenagers from a local refuge were at Luna Park that night. One had blond hair and a star tattoo. But, the police search stopped after a witness retracted their statement.
The fire left a lasting impact on Luna Park’s history. It tarnished the Ghost Train’s reputation. The incident reminds us of the importance of safety in amusement parks.
The Tragic Night of June 9, 1979
The Luna Park fire on June 9, 1979, was a terrible tragedy. It took the lives of seven people, including four young students from Waverley College and three members of the Godson family. About 35 riders got on the Ghost Train ride at Sydney’s Luna Park, not knowing what was coming.
The Fatal Timeline
At around 10:10 pm, smoke was seen coming from the Ghost Train. At first, people thought it was just a special effect. But soon, thick smoke poured out of the tunnel doors. Luna Park staff tried to get everyone out, but it was too late.
The fire spread fast because of low water pressure, not enough staff, and poor fire hose coverage. The entire ride was engulfed in flames.
Emergency Response Failures
It was known that the Ghost Train had fire hazards. There were no emergency lights, exit signs, or sprinkler system. The dark, maze-like tunnel made it hard for kids to find their way out.
The Seven Lives Lost
Six children and one adult lost their lives in the fire. Jonathan Billings, Richard Carroll, Michael Johnson, and Seamus Rahilly were all 13-year-old students from Waverley College. The Godson family, including John and his sons Craig (4) and Damian (6), also died. Only Jenny Godson survived.
The Luna Park Ghost Train disaster shocked the community. The park was closed for an investigation. Despite many inquiries, the fire’s cause is unknown. The victims’ families are looking for answers and closure.
Australian Ghost Train Fire Investigation
The tragic Ghost Train fire at Luna Park Sydney in 1979 led to a detailed federal investigation and coronial inquest. Coroner Kevin Sidney Anderson led the inquest from August 13-29, 1979, in Sydney. He explored the fire that killed six children and one adult.
The investigation found that the cause of the fire could not be conclusively determined. Experts believed the ride’s wiring was unlikely to be the cause. The most likely cause was the ignition of flammable litter by a discarded cigarette or match.
The inquiry also showed that Luna Park’s management had failed to implement adequate fire suppression measures. This was despite local authorities’ previous recommendations.
The Luna Park inquiry and Ghost Train fire investigation showed the need for better safety standards. The coronial inquest was key in understanding the tragedy. It paved the way for future reforms to prevent such incidents.
Mysterious Circumstances and Cover-up Claims
The 1979 Ghost Train fire at Luna Park Sydney remains a mystery. For over 40 years, people have wondered about a cover-up. In 2007, Anne Buckingham, Abe Saffron’s niece, said her uncle started the fire to take over the park.
This claim made many want to know the truth. It brought new life to the search for answers.
The Saffron Connection
Martin Sharp, a former Luna Park artist, collected evidence for years. He believed Abe Saffron was involved in the fire. The 2021 ABC documentary “Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire” showed new evidence of Saffron’s role.
The documentary also suggested a big conspiracy. It said NSW Police, Saffron, and Premier Neville Wran worked together to hide the truth.
Political Implications
These new findings have led to calls for a second investigation. The NSW government has started Task Force Sedgeman to look into it. They aim to uncover the truth behind the Luna Park disaster.
People want answers and a fair inquiry. They believe it’s time to reveal what really happened.
Witness Testimonies
People like Richard Visser, Kerry Lawson, and Kathy Dewar were at Luna Park that night. They want the authorities to reopen the case. They say the NSW Police never spoke to them during the first investigation.
They believe their stories could help solve the mystery. They want to share what they know.
Source Links
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_Sydney_Ghost_Train_fire – 1979 Sydney Ghost Train fire
- https://www.scarysavannahandbeyond.com/The-1979-Ghost-Train-Fire-Syndey-Australia/ – Ep. 88: The 1979 Ghost Train Fire, Sydney, Australia
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-24/the-untold-stories-about-luna-parks-ghost-train-fire/13259246 – What Ghost Train fire witness Les Dowd saw at Luna Park in 1979 still haunts him today
- https://collider.com/exposed-ghost-train-fire-true-story/ – The True Story Behind ‘Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire’
- https://the-line-up.com/sydney-ghost-train-fire – The Haunting Tragedy of the 1979 Sydney Ghost Train Fire
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-16/sydney-luna-park-ghost-train-fire-accident-or-arson/13180028 – ‘Total deviousness’: Witnesses recount ‘suspicious’ inferno in the Luna Park Ghost Train
- https://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/luna_park_ghost_train_fire_1979 – Luna Park Ghost Train fire 1979
- https://www.abc.net.au/contentsales/programsandgenres/exposed-ghost-train-fire/13894244 – EXPOSED: The Ghost Train Fire – ABC Content Sales
- https://theconversation.com/how-ghost-train-fire-exposed-remarkable-police-corruption-yet-also-failed-abcs-high-journalistic-standards-167042 – How Ghost Train Fire exposed remarkable police corruption, yet also failed ABC’s high journalistic standards
- https://acmag.com.au/2021/06/01/exposed/ – Filming the ABC’s ‘Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire’
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-10/luna-park-ghost-train-fire-witnesses-demand-government-inquiry/100128264 – ‘The biggest crime of all’: New Luna Park Ghost Train fire witnesses come forward to demand government inquiry
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_Park_Sydney – Luna Park Sydney
