Four people have died in an incident at an Australian theme park.

Queensland Police confirmed that four adults had died "following reports that a number of people had been injured by a conveyor belt".

Australian media reported the incident happened on the Thunder River Rapids family ride at Dreamworld on the country's Gold Coast.

It was also claimed that one of the ride's six-seat tyre-style carriages flipped on the conveyor belt that takes ride users back to the boarding and disembarking area, at around 2.20pm local time.

In a statement the theme park said: "Dreamworld is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts around the incident and is working closely with emergency authorities and police to do this."

"Dreamworld's focus and priority is with the families of those involved in this tragedy and will be providing an update to the public as soon as information becomes available."

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has paid tribute to those who were killed at the theme-park.

He said, "This is a very sad day for our city. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected and the emergency staff in attendance. I urge everyone to show the respect needed as the relevant authorities undertake investigations in to what has occurred. A truly sad day for all."

American Olympic gold medalist Matthew Centrowitz tweeted to say that he had been on the ride involved just minutes before the incident which happened shortly after 3pm local time.