Bouncy Castle Operator Acquitted in Tragic Accident that Claimed Six Young Lives

A recent court ruling has left families devastated after they lost young children in a horrific bouncy castle accident.

An Australian bouncy castle operator, Rosemary Anne Gamble, has been acquitted of safety violations connected to a tragic incident in 2021 that led to the deaths of six children during a school event in Devonport, Tasmania. Following a court ruling on Friday, it was determined the disaster resulted from an "unprecedented weather system," specifically a dust devil, which was deemed impossible to predict.

The heart-wrenching tragedy transpired as children were enjoying a day at Hillcrest Primary School when a sudden gust of wind lifted the inflatable bouncy castle, sending it soaring about 10 meters (33 feet) into the air. While five children were playing inside, one child, who was waiting in line, was killed when struck by the inflatable blower.

Emotions ran high in the courtroom as families listened to the verdict, with many expressing disbelief and sorrow over the ruling. Prosecutors had alleged that Gamble failed to properly anchor the inflatable device, but her defense maintained that the accident was outside of anyone's control.

Magistrate Robert Webster concurred with the defense's argument, noting that any additional safety measures taken by Gamble would not have changed the outcome due to the unforeseen nature of the dust devil. While he acknowledged she may have had room for improvement, the court determined that the wind event was the root cause of the calamity.

The six deceased children — Addison Stewart, Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Peter Dodt, and Chace Harrison — were all aged between 11 and 12. This shocking loss has left a permanent mark on the tight-knit community of Devonport, which has a population of around 30,000.

Gamble was charged nearly two years post-incident in November 2023. Following the verdict, Andrew Dodt, father of victim Peter, expressed his heartbreak, stating, "Our hopes are just shattered now." He longed for an apology and the acknowledgment of the boys' tragic demise, feelings echoed by many in the courtroom.

In addressing the devastation, Gamble's lawyer, Bethan Frake, conveyed deep empathy, indicating the collective trauma faced by families and that Gamble herself would carry the weight of the tragedy. "Their loss is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life," she quoted Ms Gamble, emphasizing the lasting impact of this unthinkable event.