A reckless rooftop stunt performed by a group of teenagers on Australia's famous Gold Coast has ignited a firestorm of criticism and serious safety concerns.
A Terrifying Sight for Diners
The incident unfolded on Friday afternoon at the Oaks Gold Coast Hotel, located on the bustling Gold Coast Highway. Diners at the Crowne Plaza's 26th-floor restaurant were met with a stomach-churning sight: eight boys, believed to be in their early teens, on the hotel's rooftop.
In photos captured by a horrified member of the public, five of the group were seen sitting on the very edge of the building. Even more perilously, two others were photographed standing on top of the large 'A' and 'K' letters of the hotel signage, apparently looking down at their mobile phones.
Public Fury and Safety Questions
The images, shared online, were swiftly condemned as an act of sheer stupidity. Australians expressed a mix of anger, disbelief, and visceral anxiety at the sight. "Oh lawdy I'm getting that tingly feeling I get when at a considerable height just looking at this picture," one person wrote, with another agreeing, "[It's] making my palms sweat."
The public reaction quickly turned to pressing questions about security. "Oaks would want to explain how they got there and why access to the roof was not secured," demanded one local resident. Another pointedly asked, "Hello Security?" The fundamental issue of how the group accessed a supposedly restricted area became the central point of contention.
Police Response and Unanswered Questions
A Queensland Police spokesperson confirmed to Daily Mail that reports of the incident were received at around 1.20pm. However, by the time officers arrived at the scene, the juveniles had already fled the area on e-bikes.
Several critical questions remain unresolved:
- How did the eight boys gain access to the secured rooftop?
- Are protocols for roof access at the hotel typically enforced?
- Was hotel security involved in safely removing the group?
Daily Mail has approached Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites for clarification on these serious safety and security lapses. The event serves as a stark warning about the dangers of trespassing and the potentially fatal consequences of such reckless behaviour.
