Gold Coast Crane Collapse Sparks Christmas Chaos, Forces Evacuations at Broadwater Tourist Park

December 29, 2025
Gold Coast Crane Collapse Sparks Christmas Chaos, Forces Evacuations at Broadwater Tourist Park
  • The PSPA emergency declaration remains in place as teams work to safely remove the crane.

  • As of Monday morning, 27 residents remain in emergency accommodation, with some allowed brief escorted returns to collect essentials.

  • A Christmas Day microburst toppled a 30-tonne crane that dangled over Broadwater Tourist Park on the Gold Coast, forcing evacuations and leaving residents displaced.

  • The crane toppled in severe winds above a caravan park, triggering a Public Safety Preservation Act declaration and an emergency response.

  • Crews continue working under difficult weather to restore access and support residents awaiting a return home.

  • Authorities are investigating the incident, with early analysis indicating an unforeseen failure rather than a pre-existing defect.

  • Engineers have dispatched two more cranes from Brisbane to assist in disassembling and relocating the structure, a process expected to take days.

  • Crane removal is hoped to begin by early next week, though progress is weather-dependent and could be delayed.

  • No serious injuries have been reported, but the storm damaged more than 230 sites in the park, including marquees and awnings.

  • Authorities coordinated with park operators and the council to support displaced residents, offering health assistance and vouchers for food, clothing, and essentials.

  • Police plan to lift emergency restrictions and reopen the park once the crane is fully removed and the area is deemed safe.

  • An exclusion zone remains around key areas, with residents advised to stay indoors and visitors to avoid the area while work continues.

Summary based on 2 sources


Get a daily email with more World News stories

Sources

Families still displaced after crane collapse

news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines • Dec 29, 2025

Families still displaced after crane collapse

More Stories