Tasmania inquest resumes into Hillcrest Primary School tragedy

An inquest into the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School tragedy in Tasmania is resuming, with a police officer and an inflatable device worker scheduled to provide evidence. The investigation examines the deaths of six students: Addison Stewart, Chace Harrison, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Peter Dodt, and Zane Mellor.

The incident occurred during end-of-year celebrations when a sudden dust devil wind gust lifted a jumping castle and other inflatable objects. Evidence presented to the inquest indicates that the jumping castle was insufficiently tethered, with only half of its eight anchorage points secured by pegs. Additionally, an inflatable Zorb-ball barrier had pegs in only six of its 32 points.

Testimony is expected from Tasmania Police detective Kim Steven and a worker from Taz-Zorb, the company responsible for setting up the equipment. The inquest will also involve testing a reinflated jumping castle and may include testimony from a dust devil expert. The proceedings aim to review causes of death, safety protocols, and national regulations following the incident.