The verdict has left families devastated, highlighting ongoing grief from the tragic event.
**Bouncy Castle Tragedy: Operator Exonerated After Fatal Incident**
**Bouncy Castle Tragedy: Operator Exonerated After Fatal Incident**
A court ruling clears bouncy castle operator linked to a 2021 accident that claimed six young lives.
The bouncy castle tragedy deeply affected the small community of Devonport, Tasmania, where six children lost their lives and three others were seriously injured during a 2021 school fair. In a recent court ruling, operator Rosemary Anne Gamble of Taz-Zorb was found not guilty of violating safety regulations, with the judge attributing the incident to an "unprecedented weather system" described as impossible to predict.
On the fateful day, attendees were enjoying the festivities when strong winds lifted the inflatable structure about 10 meters into the air, leading to the tragic accident. Prosecutors alleged that Gamble had not secured the castle adequately; however, her defense maintained that no reasonable precautions could have foretold or prevented such a disaster.
Magistrate Robert Webster ruled in favor of Gamble, stating the accident stemmed from a dust devil, a rare weather occurrence causing sudden and violent wind patterns. Although the court acknowledged potential areas for improved safety measures, they concluded that these would not have changed the disastrous result.
The September 2021 incident took the lives of children aged 11 and 12, marking the last day of term. Family members of the victims were present in court, expressing heartache and disbelief at the ruling. Andrew Dodt, father of victim Peter, lamented that an apology remains elusive, deepening the pain following such a loss.
Gamble's legal representative, Bethan Frake, expressed empathy towards the families, reflecting on the lasting emotional toll the tragedy has inflicted on everyone involved. She noted, "Their loss is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life," highlighting a shared understanding of the devastating consequences stemming from the incident.
On the fateful day, attendees were enjoying the festivities when strong winds lifted the inflatable structure about 10 meters into the air, leading to the tragic accident. Prosecutors alleged that Gamble had not secured the castle adequately; however, her defense maintained that no reasonable precautions could have foretold or prevented such a disaster.
Magistrate Robert Webster ruled in favor of Gamble, stating the accident stemmed from a dust devil, a rare weather occurrence causing sudden and violent wind patterns. Although the court acknowledged potential areas for improved safety measures, they concluded that these would not have changed the disastrous result.
The September 2021 incident took the lives of children aged 11 and 12, marking the last day of term. Family members of the victims were present in court, expressing heartache and disbelief at the ruling. Andrew Dodt, father of victim Peter, lamented that an apology remains elusive, deepening the pain following such a loss.
Gamble's legal representative, Bethan Frake, expressed empathy towards the families, reflecting on the lasting emotional toll the tragedy has inflicted on everyone involved. She noted, "Their loss is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life," highlighting a shared understanding of the devastating consequences stemming from the incident.
