The jumping castle incident at a Tasmanian primary school is set to be inflated for inspection.
This decision comes almost three years after the tragic event.
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Coroner Olivia McTaggart has mandated that the jumping castle, currently an exhibit of the Coroner’s Court, be released for expert examination.
Both prosecution and defence teams will have five days to access the exhibit at a location shielded from public view.
In December 2021, six children, including Peter Dodt, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, Zane Mellor, and Chace Harrison—tragically lost their lives at Hillcrest Primary School.
A strong wind lifted the jumping castle they were playing on into the air, resulting in the deaths and injuring three more students.
Almost two years after the incident, Rosemary Anne Gamble, the owner of the castle trading as Taz-Zorb, was charged with failing to comply with health and safety duties.
Today, Coroner McTaggart approved the release of the jumping castle.
Leigh Mackey, counsel assisting the coroner, expressed confidence that the castle’s integrity would be maintained.
A statutory declaration will be required, detailing the handling of the exhibit from release to return, including inflation, deflation, packing, and transportation to and from the site.
Tasmania Police will supervise the exhibit at all times.
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