D-day for embattled jumping castle operator as she learns her fate over tragedy that killed six children

By ETHAN JAMES FOR AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: 01:55 BST, 6 June 2025 | Updated: 02:49 BST, 6 June 2025

The operator of a jumping castle at the centre of a tragedy that killed six children has been cleared of breaching workplace safety laws.

Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Peter Dodt died after the incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport in December 2021.

They were enjoying end-of-year celebrations on the Tasmanian school’s oval when a wind gust lifted the castle into the air.

Three other children were seriously injured in the accident.

Rosemary Gamble, owner of Taz-Zorb which set up the equipment, pleaded not guilty to failing to comply with a workplace health and safety duty.

She was found not guilty by Magistrate Robert Webster, who handed down his decision in Devonport Magistrates Court on Friday.

Mr Webster didn’t read the full decision, which is expected to be published online.

‘I found the charge is not proven. It is dismissed. Ms Gamble you are free to go,’ he said.

Rosemary Gamble, owner of Taz-Zorb which set up the equipment, pleaded not guilty to failing to comply with a workplace health and safety duty

Students Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Peter Dodt died after the incident

Officers who attended the tragic scene are seen comforting each other at the school 

Flowers, soft toys and tributes are seen outside Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport

Gamble faced a 10-day hearing in November where it was alleged she only used pegs at four of the castle’s eight anchor points, despite the manufacturer’s instructions recommending eight.

Her lawyer Chris Dockray argued Gamble had been left out to dry by the castle’s Chinese manufacturer.

East Inflatables didn’t provide instructions to Gamble upon purchase and only supplied four pegs, Mr Dockray said.

Gamble instead downloaded a two-page manual from the company’s website, he said, which resulted in an interpretation that four pegs were sufficient.

According to court documents, seven students were on the castle when a significant weather event dislodged it.

They fell from the castle, while a blower attached to the castle to keep it inflated struck a nearby student.

Preparations for an inquest have been paused due to the criminal proceedings, while a class action has also been launched against Gamble as well as the state of Tasmania.

:
D-day for embattled jumping castle operator as she learns her fate over tragedy that killed six children

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk