Jumping castle operator charged over Tasmanian tragedy that killed six children

Taz-Zorb has been charged in relation to a Tasmanian primary school jumping castle tragedy.

Police released pictures of the victims of the 2021 Tasmanian jumping castle tragedy; Peter Dodt, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Marie Jones, Addison Stewart and Zane Mellor. Credit: Tasmania Police

Key Points

• Workplace safety charges have been laid in relation to a Tasmanian primary school jumping castle tragedy.
• Six children were killed in 2021.
• Tasmania's workplace safety regulator on Friday said the Director of Public Prosecutions had filed a complaint in the Devonport Magistrates Court.

Workplace safety charges have been laid in relation to a Tasmanian primary school jumping castle tragedy that killed six students.

Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Peter Dodt died after the incident at Hillcrest Primary School on 16 December, 2021.

Tasmania's workplace safety regulator on Friday said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had filed a complaint in the Devonport Magistrates Court.

"The DPP has charged Taz-Zorb, the operator of the jumping castle, with a category two offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012," WorkSafe Tasmania said.

It is alleged Taz-Zorb failed to comply with a health and safety duty in a way that exposed the children to a risk of death or serious injury.

"This decision comes after a significant investigation undertaken by WorkSafe Tasmania staff which involved many months of work," the regulator said.

"A large number of documents have been prepared and considered by the investigators and the DPP in order to reach this decision.

"As the matter is now before the court, no further information or comment can be provided."

WorkSafe Tasmania head Robyn Pearce said she had met with the families involved throughout the year.

Several children were also seriously injured in the incident in which a jumping castle being used during end-of-year celebrations became airborne.

A ceremony was held last December in Devonport to mark the one-year anniversary.

"The loss of such cherished ... children sent shockwaves through the Devonport community, Tasmania and indeed our entire nation," Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said at the time.

"We continue to keep the children, their families and their loved ones in our hearts and in our minds."