Jumping castle used only 4 of 8 tether points before wind lifted it
Six children died in a tragedy. An inquest heard that the castle operator used only four of eight available tether points.
An inquest looked at the Hillcrest Primary School tragedy. The inquest heard new details about how the jumping castle lifted into the air.
Rosemary Gamble was the operator. Gamble said only four tether pegs held the castle down that day.
Eight anchor points were available though. Gamble said there was no good reason to leave four unused.
In December 2021, a dust devil caught the castle. This was a short-lived mini-tornado about 4 metres wide.
It happened during end-of-year celebrations. Six Year 5 and 6 students died.
They were Addison Stewart, Chace Harrison, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Peter Dodt and Zane Mellor. Gamble started the business in 2012.
She had no formal training. The castle came with no manual.
She had no formal tethering procedures. The inquest is checking safety.
It is looking at whether the operator met national standards.
- Six Year 5 and 6 students
- Children killed
- December 2021
- When it happened
- 4 of 8 available
- Tether points used
- About 4 metres wide dust devil
- Wind size
Why it mattersThe tether question points to gaps in equipment safety and operator training. These gaps may have added to preventable deaths.
AustraliaThe inquest's findings could shape how inflatable equipment is regulated and secured at Australian schools and public events.
