The tragic incident that resulted in the death of six children at Hillcrest Primary School in Tasmania in December 2021 involved a jumping castle that was lifted into the air by a powerful gust of wind. The manufacturer of the jumping castle, Taz-Zorb, is facing allegations of failing to comply with health and safety duties.
The children, Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, and Peter Dodt, were celebrating the end of the school year when the jumping castle was lifted into the air along with several Zorb balls by what witnesses described as a “mini-tornado.”
Rosemary Gamble, the owner of Taz-Zorb, is accused of not properly securing the jumping castle, using smaller-than-mandated pegs and failing to adhere to Australian safety standards. The hearing includes testimony from the manufacturer, who is expected to provide evidence via an interpreter.
Gamble received written confirmation from the manufacturer that the jumping castle met safety standards, but only had access to a brief operational guide before the accident. The court appearance has evoked strong emotions from the victims’ families and the local community, highlighting the importance of workplace and event safety standards.
The hearing is set to conclude on Nov. 15, with public attention focused on the court’s findings and the manufacturer’s testimony.
AAP has contributed to this article.
