November 6th 2024.
The devastating event of a jumping castle becoming airborne and claiming the lives of six children has brought forth the manufacturer of the equipment to testify in a criminal court hearing. The incident took place in December of 2021, during an end-of-year celebration at Hillcrest Primary School in Tasmania. The students, Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, and Peter Dodt, were having a fun time on the school's oval when a "mini-tornado" unexpectedly lifted the jumping castle and a few inflatable Zorb balls into the air.
Rosemary Gamble, the owner of Taz-Zorb, the company responsible for setting up the inflatable equipment, has pleaded not guilty to one count of failing to comply with a health and safety duty. The prosecution alleges that Gamble did not ensure the jumping castle was properly secured to the ground, as it was only attached to four of the required eight anchorage points. Furthermore, the pegs used to secure the castle were not of the correct size, with a diameter of 10mm instead of the required 16mm according to Australian standards. It is also believed that Gamble did not follow the manufacturer's instructions and failed to adequately train Taz-Zorb staff in safety procedures, ultimately putting the children at risk.
The manufacturer of the jumping castle, based in China, is set to testify in court today with the help of an interpreter. The court has heard that Gamble had received written assurance from the manufacturer that the castle met Australian standards. However, it was later discovered that the company had only provided a one-and-a-half-page document on how to operate the equipment and had updated it to a 13-page manual after the tragic incident occurred.
Gamble's lawyer, Chris Dockray, argues that the wind conditions that day were unexpected and powerful, resembling a "dust devil." He believes that no amount of tethering methods proposed by the prosecution would have changed the outcome. Several witness statements were read in court, with many describing the "mini-tornado" that lifted the jumping castle meters into the air. One witness even recalled seeing the castle being tossed 75m away. The court was also informed that five of the six children tragically lost their lives from falling from a height, while one was struck by an electrical blower.
The hearing is expected to conclude on November 15th, with many seeking support during this difficult time. Lifeline and Beyond Blue offer support for those in need, and Kids Helpline is also available for children and young adults. This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols and taking all necessary precautions, especially when it involves the well-being of children. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the innocent victims.
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