Hillcrest Primary School bouncy castle tragedy: charges filed against operator Taz-Zorb

Workplace safety charges have been laid in connection with a tragedy at a Tasmanian primary school that left six students dead.

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

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

“The DPP has charged Taz-Zorb, the bouncy castle operator, with a category two offense under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012,” WorkSafe Tasmania said.

It is alleged that 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 an extensive investigation by WorkSafe Tasmania staff, which involved many months of work,” the regulator said.

“A large number of documents were prepared and considered by the investigators and the DPP to reach this decision.

“As the matter is now before the courts, no further information or comment can be provided.”

WorkSafe Tasmania chief Robyn Pearce said she had been in contact with the families involved throughout the year.

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

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

The fatal incident shocked the Devonport community.

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

“The loss of such cherished children sent shockwaves through the community of Devonport, Tasmania and indeed across our country,” Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said at the time.

“We continue to hold the children, their families and their loved ones in our hearts and thoughts.”