Unforeseen Weather Event Blamed for 2021 Hillcrest School Tragedy
The heart-wrenching tragedy that killed six children at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania, during a 2021 school fair has taken a new turn Tasmania bouncy castle. The operator of the inflatable bouncy castle involved, Rosemary Anne Gamble, was found not guilty of breaching safety laws after a court ruled that the incident resulted from an “unprecedented” and “unforeseeable” weather event.
Verdict Sparks Outrage Among Victims’ Families
The ruling was delivered on Friday in a Tasmanian courtroom. Ms Gamble, who owns and operates Taz-Zorb, a local inflatable rental business, had faced allegations of failing to anchor the inflatable adequately. Prosecutors argued that her negligence contributed to the accident in which a strong gust of wind lifted the bouncy castle, causing children to fall nearly 10 meters (33 feet) Tasmania bouncy castle.
However, Magistrate Robert Webster sided with the defense, citing that a rare meteorological phenomenon — a “dust devil” — was responsible. He described the event as “unforeseen and unforeseeable,” stating that even additional precautions would not have prevented the Tasmania bouncy castle.
Remembering the Victims
The six children who lost their lives were:
- Addison Stewart
- Zane Mellor
- Jye Sheehan
- Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones
- Peter Dodt
- Chace Harrison
All were aged between 11 and 12. Five children were on the inflatable when it was lifted by the sudden gust, while a sixth child, waiting nearby, was fatally struck by the blower unit.
Community Still Reeling from the Loss
The town of Devonport, with a population Tasmania bouncy castle of just over 30,000, was shattered by the event. In the days following the incident, an outpouring of grief saw locals lay flowers, toys, and heartfelt tributes at Hillcrest Primary School.
The verdict has reopened wounds for grieving families. Andrew Dodt, whose son Peter was among the victims, shared his anguish with local media: “Our hopes are just shattered now… All I wanted was an apology for my son not coming home, and I’m never going to get it. That kills me.”
Operator Responds Through Lawyer
Ms Gamble did not speak directly to the media but issued a statement through her lawyer, Bethan Frake. “I am a mother. I can only imagine the pain that other parents are living with each and every day because of this terrible thing that happened,” she said. “Their loss is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Ms Frake acknowledged the long-lasting emotional scars on all involved and affirmed that Gamble had followed standard safety protocols to the best of her knowledge on the day of the event.
Court Cites Rare Weather Event
Magistrate Webster’s judgment noted that while Gamble could have taken further safety steps, none would have prevented the bouncy castle from becoming airborne during the formation of the dust devil. These vortex-like wind formations are rare and localized, making them difficult to predict and even harder to prepare for during outdoor events.
This case marks the first time in Australian legal history that a dust devil has been cited as a primary cause in a public safety incident of this magnitude.
Conclusion: Legal Closure, Emotional Wounds Remain
While the court may have delivered its final word on the matter, the emotional impact of the tragedy remains deeply etched into the hearts of the Devonport community and the families of the victims. For many, the verdict leaves lingering questions about accountability, safety, and the role of environmental unpredictability in public event planning.
As Devonport moves forward, the memory of the six young lives lost on what was meant to be a joyful day will remain a solemn reminder of how quickly joy can turn into tragedy.
For more legal stories that resonate globally, visit our legal updates archive. For coverage of this case from Australian media, read ABC News’ full report.
