The 2021 Devonport accident, caused by unpredictable weather, has left families and a community struggling to cope with the loss.
Bouncy Castle Operator Acquitted in Heartbreaking Tragedy
Bouncy Castle Operator Acquitted in Heartbreaking Tragedy
An Australian court rules bouncy castle operator not responsible for accident that claimed six young lives during a fun day event.
In a heartbreaking verdict, an Australian bouncy castle operator, Rosemary Anne Gamble, who was at the center of a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of six children in 2021, has been found not guilty of breaching safety laws. The incident occurred during a school fun day in Devonport, Tasmania, where a bouncy castle was lifted about 10 meters into the air by sudden strong winds, leading to a catastrophic outcome.
The court’s decision, made by Magistrate Robert Webster, concluded that the devastating accident was caused by an unforeseen weather phenomenon known as a dust devil. Prosecutors had initially claimed that Ms. Gamble had failed to properly secure the inflatable structure, but her defense argued that no measures could have been effective against such unpredictable weather.
The tragedy took place on the last day of school before the holidays in December 2021, resulting in the deaths of six children aged between 11 and 12, with several others suffering serious injuries. Among those lost were Addison Stewart, Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Peter Dodt, and Chace Harrison, all of whom were at Hillcrest Primary School's fair. While five children were on the bouncy castle when it became airborne, the sixth child was struck by an inflatable blower while waiting in line.
The recent ruling has sparked significant emotional responses from the victims' families, with some expressing their profound grief and disbelief in the courtroom. Andrew Dodt, the father of victim Peter, conveyed his heartbreak, asserting, "Our hopes are just shattered now," highlighting the deep loss and unresolved pain felt by families left behind.
Ms. Gamble's lawyer, Bethan Frake, acknowledged the ongoing impact of the tragedy, stating that both she and Ms. Gamble understand the profound grief endured by the victims’ families. The emotional scars, as reflected in her comments, are anticipated to last a lifetime. "Their loss is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life," she said, emphasizing the shared burden of the tragedy that will resonate within the community of Devonport for years to come.
