The Dreamworld ride responsible for for the deaths of four people was previously shut down following a “serious incident” in April.

Police confirmed the tragedy on Tuesday afternoon after a conveyer belt incident on the Thunder River Rapids ride.

The same ride was closed just six months earlier after a man nearly drowned in a similar accident.

According to The Courier Mail, in the first incident passengers were trapped on the conveyor belt after the craft they were riding in slipped.

Worksafe Queensland inspectors later gave the ride the all clear.

Photo: AAP