Jumping Castle Tragedy: Operator Faces Court Over Safety Breaches
Background
A jumping castle at the centre of a primary school tragedy that killed six children was lifted, spun around in circles, and tossed 75m by a ‘mini-tornado’, a court has been told.
The Incident
On December 16, 2021, six children – Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, and Chace Harrison – were killed after a wind gust on the school’s oval. Three other children were seriously injured during end-of-year celebrations.
Court Proceedings
In opening submissions in Devonport Magistrates Court, prosecutor Madeleine Wilson said when the castle was set up, it was a dry, calm, and sunny day. However, a strong breeze came out of nowhere, lifting the castle 3m to 5m in the air before it went ‘flying’ 75m to the other side of the oval.
Witness Statements
Multiple witnesses described the gust of wind as a ‘mini-tornado’, with one saying the castle spun around in circles. Several inflatable Zorb balls were lifted into the air with children inside. A girl who was getting a drink said she heard screams and turned around to see ‘everything go up into the air’. One child said she saw a friend fall to the ground.
Charges Against Gamble
Rosemary Gamble, operator of Taz-Zorb, is facing a court hearing after pleading not guilty to safety law breaches. It is alleged she did not take all reasonable steps to ensure the children weren’t exposed to the risk of serious injury or death and failed to ensure the castle was properly anchored.
Evidence
The castle was tethered at four of its eight anchorage points, not in line with the manufacturer’s manual. None of the pegs met Australian standards requiring a minimum 16mm diameter. It is also alleged Gamble failed to properly train and supervise the two Taz-Zorb workers, one of them her partner, who were with her at the school.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring safety measures are in place when providing entertainment services, particularly for children. Operators must take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of those in their care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened during the jumping castle incident?
A: A strong wind gust lifted the jumping castle 75m, causing it to spin around in circles and toss the children inside.
Q: How many children were killed in the incident?
A: Six children – Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, and Chace Harrison – were killed.
Q: What charges has Rosemary Gamble been brought up on?
A: Gamble is facing charges of safety law breaches for allegedly failing to ensure the jumping castle was properly anchored and for not taking reasonable steps to prevent the children’s deaths.
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