Hillcrest Tragedy: Not Guilty Verdict Leaves Families Heartbroken

Hillcrest Jumping Castle Tragedy: Families Devastated by Not-Guilty Verdict The families of six children killed in the devastating Hillcrest jumping castle tragedy in December 2021 have expressed their shock and grief following the acquittal of Rosemary Anne Gamble, the operator of the castle. Gamble, trading as Taz-Zorb, was found not guilty of a health and safety charge. "This outcome does not reflect the weight of our loss," stated Georgie Burt, mother of one of the victims. The court's decision has left families reeling, three and a half years after the tragic event. Andrew Dodt, father of another victim, shared his heartbreak, stating, "I've been broken for a long time, and I think I'm going to be broken for a lot more." The incident, which occurred during a fierce wind event described as a dust devil, resulted in six student deaths and three serious injuries at Hillcrest Primary School. While Magistrate Robert Webster dismissed the charge, citing the wind event as being beyond Ms. Gamble's control, her lawyer, Bethan Frake, read a statement expressing sorrow for the tragedy. A coronial inquest is expected, and the families are pursuing class action against both the state of Tasmania and Ms. Gamble's company. Despite the legal outcome, the video underscores the enduring pain and loss felt by the families, a stark reminder of the profound impact of this tragedy.