The verdict has left the families of the victims devastated, as they grapple with the loss of their loved ones while the operator has been cleared of any safety violations.
Bouncy Castle Operator Acquitted: Tragic Incident Still Haunts Families
Bouncy Castle Operator Acquitted: Tragic Incident Still Haunts Families
A court acquits bouncy castle operator Rosemary Anne Gamble in a 2021 incident that led to the deaths of six children during a primary school fair in Tasmania.
A court has acquitted Rosemary Anne Gamble, the operator of Taz-Zorb, in a tragic incident back in 2021 that resulted in the deaths of six children and injuries to three others at a primary school fun day in Devonport, Tasmania. The ruling comes after the court concluded that the sad event was caused by an "unprecedented weather system," specifically a dust devil, which was deemed "impossible to predict."
During the incident, which occurred on the last day of school in December 2021, the bouncy castle was lifted approximately 10 meters (33 feet) into the air by strong winds, impacting the lives of local families forever. Five of the children were inside the bouncy castle, while a sixth, who was waiting in line, suffered fatal injuries from being struck by an inflatable blower.
The case against Gamble began nearly two years later, with prosecutors alleging insufficient anchoring of the bouncy castle. However, in his judgement, Magistrate Robert Webster supported the argument made by Gamble's defense, stating that even if additional safety measures had been taken, the outcome would not have changed due to the unexpected nature of the dust devil.
Following the verdict, families expressed their heartbreak and heartbreakingly lamented their losses. Andrew Dodt, father of victim Peter, shared his anguish, stating, "At the end of the day, all I wanted was an apology for my son not coming home, and I'm never going to get it." Meanwhile, Gamble's lawyer conveyed her client's sorrow, emphasizing the lasting impact of this tragedy on everyone involved. "Their loss is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life," she stated on behalf of Gamble, who remains deeply affected by the children’s deaths.
As Devonport continues to heal from its loss, this story remains a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseen consequences of nature.
