NASA dust devil expert to analyse Tasmanian jumping castle tragedy
A NASA dust devil expert is expected to help with an inquest into the 2021 jumping castle deaths.
An inquest is examining the deaths of six children at Hillcrest Primary School in Tasmania. The inquest hired Dr Ralph Lorenz, a scientist who studies dust devils.
Dr Lorenz has studied them for more than two decades. Dr Lorenz has helped NASA study dust devils on Mars and Earth.
In December 2021, a sudden dust devil lifted the jumping castle and other inflatables. This happened during an end-of-year celebration at the school.
Six children died: Addison Stewart, Chace Harrison, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Peter Dodt, and Zane Mellor. Dr Lorenz was expected to explain air pressure drops and wind speed.
He would also describe how the dust devil affected the castle. The inquest began on September 21.
It will continue on November 3. Coroner Olivia McTaggart said Lorenz's knowledge would help show how the deaths happened.
Tests to refill the castle have been delayed during talks with Dr Lorenz.
- Six
- Children killed
- December 2021
- When it happened
- Hillcrest Primary School, Tasmania
- Where
Why it mattersExpert weather analysis may show whether the tragedy could have been stopped. It could lead to new safety rules for outdoor events.
AustraliaMay lead to changes in Australian regulations for jumping castles and outdoor event safety protocols.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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