Charges Laid in Tragic 2021 Hillcrest Jumping Castle Incident Resulting in Six Deaths

Incident Overview

On Thursday, December 16, 2021, six children died and three were seriously injured when a jumping castle and inflatable balls became airborne during an end-of-year event at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania. The children fell from a height of approximately 10 metres following a sudden gust of wind.

Following an extensive investigation by WorkSafe Tasmania, the operator of the jumping castle, Taz-Zorb, has been charged with a Category 2 offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 for failing to comply with a health and safety duty.

• Fatalities:
  • On Thursday, December 16, 2021, six children died and three were seriously injured when a jumping castle and inflatable balls became airborne during an end-of-year event at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania
• Injuries:
  • None reported.

• On Thursday, December 16, 2021, six children died and three were seriously injured when a jumping castle and inflatable balls became airborne during an end-of-year event at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania

Following an extensive investigation by WorkSafe Tasmania, the operator of the jumping castle, Taz-Zorb, has been charged with a Category 2 offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 for failing to comply with a health and safety duty.

WorkSafe Tasmania conducted a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has filed a complaint charging Taz-Zorb with a Category 2 offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 for failing to comply with a health and safety duty. The maximum penalty for a Category 2 offence is substantial, reflecting the severity of the incident.

WorkSafe Tasmania welcomes any additional information from witnesses or persons with knowledge of the incident or the operation of the jumping castle. Persons with relevant information are encouraged to contact WorkSafe Tasmania on 1300 366 322 or via the online report form at worksafe.tas.gov.au.