The Carnival Ride Fire that claimed 6 Children's Lives | PART 1 | Accident or Something Sinister?

The Sydney Luna Park Ghost Train Fire | Crime Stories | Crime Documentary
Part 2 is here! • Exposed: The Sydney Gh...
Part 3: • Why the Ghost Train Fi...
Sydney’s spectacular Luna Park is riding a four decade high as Australia’s most popular amusement park. Based on a world-famous chain of funfairs that first opened in New York, Sydney’s Luna Park is the place to go. Nested underneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and opposite the spectacular Opera House, it’s the jewel in the crown for the Emerald City.
On a winter’s night in June 1979, Luna Park is nearing closing time. Families and children are lining up for their final rides of the night. But what began as an innocent night of fun for a group of young schoolboys out for their first night without parents, and a family from country Australia who’d never seen the ocean before, is about to end in unspeakable horror.
A mysterious fire begins deep within the spooky labyrinthine Ghost Train ride. Even more suspicious: the fire starts in the ride’s imitation fireplace. Six innocent children and one adult are trapped inside, unable to escape. All are incinerated alive.
Police quickly announce that the first was just a terrible accident, a freak electrical fault.
But was there something more sinister at play?
Decades later, a fierce and fearless award-winning investigative journalist is on the hunt for the truth. She manages to unearth a treasure trove of documents, confidential reports, tapes, recordings and information. As she tracks down a gobsmacking cast of eyewitnesses who’ve never before spoken publicly, the possibility of a shocking cover-up led by the police becomes very real.
*This film is under non-exclusive license from ABC. All rights reserved. We ask you to please contact us if you believe there are any copyright issues via [e-mail]*
We're currently posting some fantastic old school Australian Crime Content - Check out Forensic Investigators here: bit.ly/43ct9fQ
Some Aussie Crime Documentaries to fall asleep to: bit.ly/3C2ZnhE
______________________________________________________
Welcome to the Crime Family!
Subscribe to get more Australian Crime content and hit the notification bell to see freshly uploaded content: bit.ly/AusCrimeYT
Let us know what you think of this case in the comments below!
#AustralianCrime #truecrime #crimestories #australia #crime #murdermystery #aussie

[@cathybassett6432]

Tony Jacob, ghost train attendant, ran into the burning tunnel and rescued people. Wow! He should have received some kind of recognition.

[@boosqueezy2418]

what about the other attendant who let the ride go after people told them there was a fire

[@candysmith8724]

Who did he rescue? He attempted, but couldn't get to anyone. The father with boys and the 4 other boys perished.

[@nanderv]

@@candysmith8724 He saved quite a few people, but couldn't get to everyone indeed.

[@missmia7869]

Thank God for Martin Sharp.. they have answers now, if not justice, because of his research and information collection. My heart breaks for Mrs. Godson, Jason and the families of those boys. I can't even imagine.

[@weakarms]

Easily could have cut out 40 minutes of the drama and just told the story and facts.

[@kaleighcasterline1221]

That man with survivors guilt has me in TEARS. especially when he talks about encountering his mum oh my gosh

[@tamonettX500]

Yes, and how he slept in his friend's bed...so gut-wrenching, all their accounts of the aftermath made me cry

[@resQfurppl]

the poor guy that rescued some but couldn’t get everyone 😭😭💔💔 i can’t imagine what he goes through 💔😭 how awful to see that. the families too - my God - how incredibly awful 😢

[@Kari.F.]

Imagine Mrs Goodson watching her entire family being engulfed in flames. How she managed to survive a horrendous tragedy and trauma like that!? She's so much stronger than I could ever be. Living with that devastation would have ended me a long time ago. All of these families suffered a loss that no family should ever have to experience, but she suffered three - and she witnessed it. Life isn't fair at all!

[@Guerrero505]

RIGHT!? I would've RUN to my family & tried to die too!! 😔 Idk if I could go on. I'm filled with respect + amazement for her courage. 😇

[@BS-dq1kz]

I feel the exact same way.

[@Nightsisters_Clan]

Why wasn't the guy who sent those kids in after being notified there was a fire charged? Why didn't they stop the ride right then and run in to get to them?

[@boosqueezy2418]

that’s my question too

[@YaNevrNo]

These are the most beautiful people. Thank you for doing such a tender and respectful documentary.

[@LindysEpiphany]

Survivors guilt is so tragic! Surviving is normally something to celebrate but when others aren't so lucky that survivor is left with only unbelievable guilt and grief.

[@dread357]

Survivor's guilt is crippling

[@Vince1979Gator]

Ignorantly, it makes no sense to me. Help me understand in context to my comment above?

[@dread357]

@@Vince1979Gator Imagine you star in your fav war movie you and your younger brother are fighting against an unthinkably terrible enemy and you feel as the eldest you have some unspoken or spoken obligation to look after your younger brother, he's the baby the favorite. You both get shot him fatally you not. You get to shoulder your own sorrow and grief plus you feel like somehow you should've been able to save your brother and it seems to you that others look at you like why did you have to live and lil bro didn't? Like you're unworthy of survival. Don't know if that makes it make any sense but as an example maybe?

[@sherrigates463]

I feel really terrible for the Mom. Life can be so unfair. So many years ago, but for her, it's just like yesterday. They say everything happens for a reason, but it's hard to see the reasoning in this.

[@dreasmom2789]

That is not true period my mom died 30 years ago in May at the age of 54 after working very hard.All of your life and just are in to have a comfortable life. There's no reason in the world that should have happened just bad luck

[@janie88ful]

ONE OF THE BEST STORIES, THEY CARE AND DEPTH THAT WENT INTO THE LIVES AND DETAILS. I NEVER HEARD OF THIS TRAGIC INCIDENT BUT I WILL NEVER FORGET IT. THANK YOU FOR UPLOADING AND I THANK ALL THE PRODUCERS AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR THEIR HEART AND SOUL THEY PUT INTO IT. GOD BLESS YOU ❤😢❤

[@marygoff3332]

This is the most incredible piece of investigative journalism I have seen in my lifetime. Your team deserves awards for this masterpiece.

[@Barbarra63297]

Flashover can sound like cannon boom. The smoke gases become so concentrated and with nowhere to vent they literally explode. Those poor souls, my heart aches for them and their surviving friends and loved ones.

[@aprilsmith3683]

A magnificent...sensitive...brilliantly produced documentary... Horrific... Tragic beyond comprehension for the loved ones... 🇿🇦

[@Zzz2x]

What flag is that? I agree Kansas USA here

[@susanwaldron6831]

@@Zzz2x I think it's the South African flag.

[@brendagamba7826]

#​@@Zzz2xit is the south African flag. I'm a South African granny. Cape Town

[@catherinefleming8254]

RIP to all that lost their lives. My heart goes out to all that suffered as a result and those who tried to help god bless.

[@DBZluvz]

the one lady said that as she went through the tunnel that the fake furnace that was in there that made that fake flames was actually on fire when she went through and even reached out and felt heat from it so i wonder if one of the teenagers that had went through the tunnel before she did might of thrown a match on it thinking it would look cool if there was a real fire there, or something to that effect.

[@Sept2504]

This is such a dignified, caring way of presenting an absolutely heart-wrenching experience.

[@foo219]

The burning carriages was a haunting image.

[@AmberVivicide]

Survivors guilt is an interesting phenomenon....i often feel it when watching true crime stories of people I've never even met, nothing to the extent of people like this of course who were a part of a tragedy. But i often catch myself thinking "how have I been so lucky to survive 40 years, I've never done anything significant with my life/career, never been married, no children...and to see children, mothers, fathers, brilliant people, charitable people etc taken before their time...I feel guilty that someone like myself has made it this far. Perhaps I'm just a sensitive person, but it crosses my mind constantly. I can only imagine what level of guilt these people have had to live with 💔

[@ruthbeamish8849]

Don't beat yourself up . I am sure that you totally understand yourself. But l understand why feel this way.

[@Zzz2x]

I think you are sensitive and I’m the same way. I have ocd too and anxiety maybe you do as well

[@BS-dq1kz]

I’m a wife and mom of 3. Just because you have never been married or had children doesn’t mean you haven’t had a significant impact on others. Seems you’re a sensitive and compassionate person. We can never have too many people like yourself here on this Earth. Especially in today’s society. You’ve probably touched other lives more than you know.

[@junetomlin1]

Oh This is heartbraaking my heart goes out to you

[@hfrt29]

Tragic !!!! llife just hits you with so many bizarre tragedies.

[@swigglemuffin445]

Why on earth didn't those other people say anything when they realized it was a real fire?! Lives could of been saved.

[@Lucyjayne-jz1or]

Ecxaccly what I was thinking

[@kthomp5on]

Sadly the they assumed it was part of the attraction 😢

[@RoseLee65]

@@kthomp5on No! they knew something was wrong! They smelled smoke and saw fire! Bunch of idiots!!!

[@MermaidDolphinNYC]

I remember a nurse talking with another while I was in the emergency room in NYC and some reason they were talking about death. The one nurse said that in all her years of nursing by the far worst patient was one who had been engulfed in flames.

[@marygoff3332]

Yep. Absolutely the worst way to suffer and die. Or burn, suffer in immense pain and live with disfigurement. So incredibly tragic.

[@dextro_daydreams2093]

Man, that map at 1:20:34 that shows where the boys were found... That one kid who got separated must have been so scared running by himself through that place

[@candysmith8724]

I noticed that too. Then I thought maybe that is the location where all the boys hopped off their carriages and the other 3 ran to try to get to the start of the ride doors and that boy succumbed to smoke inhalation. The father and 2 boys were found along an exterior wall...why no fire exits with signs lit up for this very situation is beyond me.

[@stephanieanderson2263]

Tony did everything he could to get everyone out and off that ride, fatal night. Tony should have gotten some recognition for his actions that night. I feel bad for Jenny. She lost her family, my heart goes to the families that lost their sons

[@DBZluvz]

something i found amazing is that i have never heard eyewitness accounts that match up so perfectly word for word, most people have differing accounts, even if they saw the same thing but these people's account is so spot on.

[@foo219]

...and shortly after the flames took hold the smoke detectors activated the fire alarm, the automatic sprinkler system started and quickly doused the flames while the emergency lights turned on and guided the passengers to the fire exits. Oh wait. Those things cost MONEY. My bad.

[@debbiewilliams9435]

This is the saddest thing I’ve ever seen 😣

[@marygoff3332]

Agreed.

[@courtneyfrost915]

The luckiest boy alive, is the one that didn't have to go through this.

[@suegeew9727]

I have no coherent words, only hope that by the end of the series that justice is done. Prayers for the victims but especially for the survivors as they continue to grieve.

[@DebsMcC69]

Heartbreaking listening to the friends but then the parents, families & ride attendants made me cry. So so sad x

[@LibbyAnn]

Oh wow! May God bless the family members left behind and provide His grace for comfort.🙏🏻❤️ Much love to you all!❤️

[@pioneercynthia1]

It's a wonder that those parents didn't turn to drink or drugs to deal with the pain. Mental health services were almost non-existent. It's a really heavy burden. (But I have to say, that ride was so crazy and hokey; it's easy to see why it would be so popular.)

[@rhondamcewananderson3968]

My heart is so heavy 💔

[@RoseLee65]

Why didn't those teenagers yell fire when they reached the cage? They just chose to not say anything!!!! They could have saved those kids lives if they had done so!!!

[@teresagates2136]

The victims of this Ghost Train Fire accident /or incident that occurred at Luna Park Sydney Australia on the night of Saturday, June 9th, 1979 were: John Godson, Craig Godson, Damie Godson, Richard Carroll, Michael Johnson, Jonathon Billings, and Seamus Rahilly. RIP to those 7 people victims.😔

[@mariekatherine5238]

1979, did any of these people receive counseling for PTSD?

[@ccrgrl]

I was a junior in HS, and lost 4 members of my class, no counseling offered

[@resQfurppl]

back then PTSD wasn’t known about. it wasn’t til the 80’s, probably late 80’s when counseling became a thing. idk exactly when PTSD was diagnosed

[@waypay1]

​Yes, it was. It was called shellshock. And counseling has been around since psychology became a field, way before the 80s. ​@@resQfurppl

[@marygoff3332]

​@@resQfurpplexactly. 😢

[@mariekatherine5238]

@@resQfurpplWhen the Challenger space shuttle exploded with the teacher in space, with hundreds of thousands of children watching on live TV, there was minimal counseling from school. Teachers were expected to handle it with their own students. Professional psychologists or counselors weren’t called in. I saw it with 35 first graders. Some were upset, others didn’t really understand it was real much less live. The school requested parents to speak with their children. Psychological counseling was acknowledged as sometimes necessary, but it was up to parents, not the school. This was in 1986. I was teaching in a small city in northern New York state.

[@StephanyChills]

just proof that time doesn't heal all wounds

[@orchard-i8m]

This documentary is just unbelievably well done. I hope the reporters and everyone involved win an award for this one.

[@Moxieman]

Wow such a tragedy ..there are many cover ups when accidents in these carnivals and mobile amusement companies..the reason they are covered up and protected is the law suits involved and many other corrupt reasons ..even as a child I can still remember at least 6 major coverups involving both traveling and indoor amusement parks that I went to regularly

[@mariekatherine5238]

I used to go regularly to Action Park in the USA. It later had the nickname Class Action Park. It was mainly a water park, but had other attractions, like the Alpine Slide, known for broken arms, shoulders, terrible friction burns. We used to say if you came away without cuts and bruises, you weren’t there. It was kind of a status symbol at school, fearless kids that we were.

[@TheSuzberry]

I have the image of someone throwing a burning cigarette into the fake fire.

[@Shawna_Show]

I don’t mind ads and like to watch ads to support a channel. But every five minutes for an ad is a bit much. I gotta change channels :(

[@sicooper4230]

get adblocker

[@kerrywoolford4699]

Where is part 3 waiting for it on the 14th like you said

[@AustralianCrime]

The video has been copyright claimed, we'll publish it as soon as it's cleared!

[@ruthbeamish8849]

I have never heard of this appalling tragedy. Not Australian. But I am actually surprised that the number of fatalities was not even higher. Could have been 20 plus. Shocking and unnecessary.

[@davidoneill1633]

Great upload 🙏

[@ginnied7346]

I didn't realize police investigated fires, I thought it was like a fire chief or fire marshal something like that investigated fires and then they give that information too the police Something certainly does seems very dodgy with the way those flames behaved and the way it went up so quickly Is it still police that investigate fires in Australia ??

[@diannenaworensky6698]

All I can say is WOW. I feel so bad for the families of the dead

[@EmoboyASMR]

I watch a lot of crime shows but this one is actually hard to watch

[@joeylamuel5828]

This had to have been done on purpose. What an outrage! 😡

[@vc23]

I can’t wait for part 2 and 3, and idea when you’re going to upload them please? Thanks

[@tightropewalkergirl6485]

I think there’s a 3 part documentary on this on Netflix. - the whole thing was shocking

[@vc23]

@@tightropewalkergirl6485 Yeah, I don’t have Netflix unfortunately, that’s why I can’t wait for it to come up here. I’m probably one of the few without Netflix 😬

[@tightropewalkergirl6485]

@@vc23 it’s absolutely devastating so prepare yourself

[@vc23]

@@tightropewalkergirl6485 I had a feeling it’s going to be from watching the first one yesterday, the poor woman who lost her 2 little boys and husband, I was in tears listening to her but hearing them all was so sad. Thanks for pre warning me 😭

[@tamonettX500]

in the video description it says part 2 & 3 to be uploaded on the 7th & 14th

[@Puddlesmolly]

Part two and three . I must watch them. Horrendous sad story, those poor families

[@tiffanieoverby7803]

It’s actually on Netflix right now

[@marleneschulz118]

Part 2 will be available here April 7th Part 3 will be available here April 14th I saw it in the description.

[@pattidobi6812]

That's terrible. My ❤ goes out to all affected by it. I think it was all the chemicals in paint, decorations, etc. It helped it up so fast. Ll those old decorations made from paper mache. Everything a fire likes. It's terrible this happened. I just pray it wasn't arson.

[@jessiharm528]

I’m sure that fire was absolutely devastating and terrifying to any bystander. I’m sure there were several times where it seemed like it was behaving, unnaturally or that it was being aided by accelerants but based off the building and the year it was built it’s very possible that the reason why it spread so fast and so violently is because everything inside that building was old, dusty and dry. Also, depending on the airflow of the building or drafts it could seem like the fire was being pushed into various different directions. Fires also like oxygen so the reason the caged area seemed so aggressive is because that’s where the most oxygen was and that would fuel the fire too. It’s so incredibly tragic this episode made me cry but I’m not convinced of foul play.

[@suegeew9727]

There's 2 more episodes coming out, read.

[@tiffanieoverby7803]

@@suegeew9727it’s actually on Netflix right now

[@jessiharm528]

@@suegeew9727 and?

[@thaismatsumoto]

Yeah..very possible. Add in that being that old it was probably painted numerous times too. Which having numerous layers of paint would also help feed the fire. And from the sounds of it,it had been burning for a while. No surprise since unlike a house ,there were numerous doors that stayed in a closed position most of the time except when a carriage would come up to it . And then closed again. .I hate to say it but when they went in to get people out,that also fed the fire with fresh air when they opened the doors for the ride, and there was obviously a flash over. From the description they were giving where they said it went whoosh. Which would have instantly killed those who may have been still alive in that inferno. Having been through two house fires in my lifetime, I have a good perspective on what they were experiencing. Luckily I didn't get disfigured but i have permanent lung damage from being in the house too long. The windows were popping from the heat. I had to stay in there because my older brother was an alcoholic who usually passed out when he got home. And I knew he wasn't awake. I had to drag him out on the roof. Then I had to get the cat,which I did. And because we had a nor'easter the night before , I was stupidly looking for something to wear. Of course I was only fifteen.,. And self conscious.

[@MegCazalet]

@@thaismatsumoto I’m so sorry you went though that, but you’re wonderful for getting your brother AND the cat! I would go after my dogs. During one of many bomb threats in my elementary school growing up, where my dad was a teacher, I watched in horror, crying for him not to go, as he went back in to get to the bunnies that lived in the art room. I was so scared and it was only a bomb threat.

[@candysmith8724]

I take it there were no lit EXIT signs above fire escape doors anywhere along the exterior walls. Where they found the father with 2 sons, they were right next to an outer wall.😔

[@DBZluvz]

when they went through the open caged area why didn't anyone yell fire! then again who knows with all the sounds of the park if anyone would've heard them.

[@ninademci1500]

Jason Holman, I realize this will be blasphemous to some, but I believe the rules are man made.

[@sandrahunter5749]

RIP to all who perished in this horrible fire 🙏✝️❤️

[@hixxyted1244]

So so sad the mother my heart breaks for her. All of them just awful 😢😢😢

[@catalinacurio]

It’s time to claim your life back! Life is far too short!

[@dottierandall2475]

So sad. 💜💜💜💜✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️

[@PolizeiPaul]

Isn't there a speed regulator on these things? So that if something like this happenes you can hurry up and rush the cars through to get those in there out quick.

[@nyteshayde1197]

Absolutely horrifying. As a mom, I could feel the pain of these parents. I'm devastated for them.

[@josephinebos8325]

Play this at speed 1.25

[@sicooper4230]

why?

[@missg.5940]

How do you change speed?

[@Fonziedaz1]

Rest in peace ✌ 😢

[@JaneDoe-rj4jn]

I wonder if it’s possible someone flicked a cigarette into some of the decorations and it started to smolder. What an incredibly sad story for everyone.

[@ElizabethChapman-du6nj]

According to the fire starting, it was cause by that fire rotation machine. Where the paper got so hot and caught on fire

[@pamelaleannefreeland9025]

What caused the multiple explosions AFTER the fire started?! This is obviously not a wiring malfunction. Ridiculous and such a slap in the face to the victims, their families and friends, and the survivors. Are we going to get any further videos on this?

[@tiffanieoverby7803]

It says in the description the second April 4th I think and the third April 11th

[@tiffanieoverby7803]

Just found that it’s all on Netflix actually

[@the-finn]

Thank you for sharing ❤❤❤

[@Happyhippy70]

Condolences and Prayers to all involved. The souls left the body right before it happened. God protects his children. God Bless, XO

[@fetus2280]

Does he now? Come on mate. Murdering or Killing is Not Protection. Thats what family annihilators say, they were protecting them. I would bet my life that both you and I, if given the power of these gods, would DO SOMETHING now wouldnt we? We would Fix these issues with a snap of our fingers. Never again would a Child be harmed in Any way. Those who even Thought about it would Vanish in a puff of smoke. We are Far better than these gods.

[@Vince1979Gator]

Ignorantly, admittedly, I don't understand or comprehend "survivors guilt". People die every single day. We all know people that have died young. My belief is that we should be jealous of those that are in Heaven currently; these children are most certainly with our Father in Heaven Like I said, ignorantly, I just don't get it. Are we all to walk around with survivors guilt due to the fact we are alive and some we know are not? In the most sensitive manner possible, this gives a 'poor me' attitude that appears selfish and detracts from the REAL victims and families. It's tough to elegantly put this in text so I'll accept the criticism also.

[@MegCazalet]

Maybe you should do some reading into it, then, rather than just keep talking about how ignorant you are?

[@gSmyth0487]

Maybe it's something you wouldn't understand unless you go threw it. Or maybe not even if you did. People go threw things differently then another one might.

[@ChocolateEClaire16_]

Why do these shows have to record them eating and gulping drinks. It sends chills down my spine I can’t stand those noises and I’d be so mad if someone recorded my noises that closely - when this is already such an invasive interview process. Bleh.

[@shellygreen734]

The amount of adverts were ridiculous and unnecessary it spoiled what was a interesting report. Do better!!