Canberra, Jul 21 (IANS): The operator of Australia's Dreamworld theme park was on Tuesday charged with safety breaches over a water ride malfunction that killed four people in 2016.

The collision took place at the end of the Thunder River Rapids ride, an attraction that simulated the experience of white-water rafting, the BBC reported.

The victims died almost instantly when their raft collided with another and overturned, crushing them.

Authorities have filed three charges against parent company Ardent Leisure.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of A$1.5 million.

Prosecutor Aaron Guilfoyle said the three charges alleged that Dreamworld failed in its duty of care.

They would be the only charges brought, he added.

Queensland Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said: "They are the maximum charges in the act, and the prosecutor is independent and we respect his decision and await the outcome from the courts."

Tuesday's development comes after the police last year recommended that no Dreamworld employees should face criminal charges, the BBC reported.

The park closed for six weeks after the accident, and the Thunder River Rapids ride was demolished.

Other rides have shut since.