Former teacher testifies at 2021 Hillcrest Primary inquest
Stephen Fenn testified that a dust devil lifted a jumping castle, killing six students at Hillcrest Primary.
Stephen Fenn taught at Hillcrest Primary since 2000 and was on the oval when the incident occurred. Stephen Fenn described the wind suddenly shifting from calm to extreme force.
The dust devil lifted the jumping castle and one zorb ball, then dropped them on the ground. Six students died: Peter Dodt, Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan and Addison Stewart.
Fenn later helped identify remains at hospital. The incident forced him into early retirement and he has dealt with depression and strain on personal relationships since.
He told the court: "I found I couldn't go back to the classroom and give the same love and care to my students." The inquest continues to examine whether safety protocols were adequate.
- 6
- Students killed
- December 16, 2021
- When it happened
- Since 2000
- Fenn's years at school
- West side
- Location on oval
Why it mattersThe inquest examines what caused the tragedy and whether the school and equipment operator followed proper safety procedures.
AustraliaTasmania's deadliest school incident remains under judicial scrutiny to establish accountability and prevent similar tragedies.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
