A sudden evacuation has left 39 campsites deserted, with visitors hurriedly departing, often with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing. The cause of this upheaval is a precariously positioned crane, threatening to collapse at any moment and creating a scene of concern and urgency.

Currently, access remains restricted as engineers and law enforcement personnel tirelessly endeavor to stabilize the situation. The looming crane, dangerously tilted toward the north, poses a significant risk to the northern section of the caravan park, according to Peter Venz of Queensland Police.

The challenge now lies in safely dismantling the compromised crane. The operation requires the assistance of two additional cranes, yet gusty winds have stalled the commencement of this delicate task. With the blustery conditions persisting, the operation may not get underway until early tomorrow morning, around 5 a.m.

“Unfortunately, the wind patterns are not in our favor and are expected to remain unfavorable for at least the next two days,” Venz noted, highlighting the ongoing complications faced by the teams working to resolve the situation.

“If we look at the wind patterns, it’s not favourable for at least the next two days,” Venz said.

The Broadwater Tourist Park said online that the storm “resembled worse than anything we saw during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred”.

Broncos legend Corey Parker and his radio personality wife Margaux were camping at the part with their family, one of the many devastated by the destruction.

“We’ve lost caravan awnings and gazebos, our car’s been damaged, our caravan’s been damaged, but you know we’re all well and safe,” Margaux said.

When the storm hit, mother and daughter Elissa and Shayla were hiding behind their car as a neighbour’s boat came flying towards them.

“We hunkered down behind the wheel, my thinking was if the boat did come at us we were safe behind the car,” Elissa told 9News.

Shayla added: “There were poles flying everywhere, hitting us a bit, it was terrifying, so we just were like its safer to get out of this kind of area.”

Tonight, what remains inside the no-go zone will stay there until the police exclusion lifts.

For the dozens impacted they’re being offered accommodation.