Tasmanian Jumping Castle Operator Found Not Guilty Over 2021 School Deaths

Rosemary Gamble, owner of Taz-Zorb, was found not guilty of breaching workplace health and safety laws after a tragic incident in December 2021 where a wind gust lifted a jumping castle into the air at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania, killing six children and seriously injuring three others. The court heard that Gamble had secured the castle with only four pegs instead of the manufacturer-recommended eight, but her defense argued that the Chinese manufacturer provided insufficient instructions and pegs, leading her to believe four were sufficient. Magistrate Robert Webster dismissed the charge, stating it was not proven beyond reasonable doubt, allowing Gamble to leave the courtroom free to go despite the families' visible distress. The case followed a 10-day hearing in November 2024, and while the criminal proceedings concluded, preparations for an inquest have been put on hold, and a class action lawsuit has been filed against both Gamble and the state of Tasmania. The incident remains a deeply tragic event, highlighting issues of safety compliance and manufacturer responsibility in the use of inflatable play equipment. The families of the victims continue to seek justice amid ongoing legal actions.