Charges laid against jumping castle operator over Hillcrest deaths

The operator of a jumping castle has been charged with health and safety breaches over an incident in which six children died at Hillcrest in northwest Tasmania.

Mourners pay tribute to the children who died after gust of wind swept away a jumping castle at Hillcrest Primary School Devonport Tasmania. Picture: Jason Edwards

The operator of a jumping castle supply business has been charged with health and safety breaches over an incident in which six children died at Hillcrest Primary in northwest Tasmania two years ago.

Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Jalailah Jayne-Marie Jones, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, and Chace Harrison, all Year 5 or 6 students at Hillcrest Primary, were killed after being flung about 10m into the air while inside the inflatable bounce house on December 16, 2021.

Three other students were badly injured but survived after spending days in hospital.

WorkSafe Tasmania said on Friday that Director of Public Prosecutions Daryl Coates, SC, has filed a complaint in the Devonport Magistrates Court.

“The DPP has charged Taz-Zorb, the operator of the jumping castle, with a Category 2 offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, Work Health and Safety Regulator Robyn Pearce said.

“This offence alleges that the operator failed to comply with a health and safety duty in a way that exposed the children to a risk of death or serious injury.

Former PM Scott Morrison and wife Jenny paid their respects to the victims at Hillcrest Primary School Devonport in Tasmania. Picture: Jason Edwards

“This decision comes after a significant investigation undertaken by WorkSafe Tasmania staff which involved many months of work. A large number of documents have been prepared and considered by the investigators and the DPP in order to reach this decision.

“Throughout the last year I have continued to meet with the families of the children who died or were injured in this incident and would again like to express my condolences to each of them.

“As the matter is now before the court, no further information or comment can be provided.”

A statement released by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers on behalf the families of deceased students Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Addison Stewart and Jalialah Jayne-Maree Jones welcomed the announcement.

“This was a terrible tragedy that claimed the lives of our beautiful children and which has left others both physically and emotionally impacted,” the statement read.

“We know WorkSafe has worked tirelessly in their investigation into what went wrong on that fateful day and we thank them for their hard work.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the first responders and medical staff who took care of our children.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the incredibly brave children who ran to the assistance of their injured friends and classmates.”

Georgina Gardam’s son Zane was killed in the tragedy.

“What I and the other families have gone through is awful. I am so sad that we have lost children and we can never get them back,” she said.

“There was no chance of survival for my poor son Zane.

“I am glad that Taz-Zorb have been charged. I want justice for my son and the other families impacted and look forward to hearing the outcome of the criminal proceedings and subsequent Coronial inquest.

“I still want answers about the school’s involvement in the tragedy. It’s has been a long-time coming and still not over.”

Maurice Blackburn Senior Associate Gezime Vasic, who is representing five families whose children who died in the tragedy as well as children injured and impacted, said the charges came after a long and complex investigation by WorkSafe.

“We hope that a public inquest is held as soon as possible after the criminal proceedings to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring again and for the families to get the answers that they are seeking,” he said.

“The families want justice and to bring some sense of closure over what happened to their children on that terrible day.

“I would like to take this time to acknowledge the strength and resilience the families have shown throughout this ordeal.”

Originally published as Charges laid against jumping castle operator over Hillcrest deaths