Jumping castle incident in Tasmania: Names of victims released, one child discharged from hospital

One child injured during Thursday’s deadly jumping castle tragedy in north-west Tasmania has been discharged from hospital, while another three remain in a critical condition, police say.

Five children aged between 11 to 12 lost their lives after a jumping castle became airborne at the end-of-school event at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport.

Tasmania Police have released the names of the victims: Addison Stewart (11), Zane Mellor (12), Jye Sheehan (12), Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones (12) and Peter Dodt (12).

Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said the investigation was ongoing and he knew people had a lot of questions.

“I know this means you’ll have some questions that we’re not able to answer, as many details will be a matter for the coroner,” he said.

He said there were about 40 students taking part in the end-of-year activities when the inflatable equipment lifted into the air.

He said several adults were also there and provided first aid until emergency services arrived.

Commissioner Hine said the investigation would look at whether or not the jumping castle was tethered.

“That forms part of the investigation, we need to continue our investigation on behalf of the coroner and also with WorkSafe Tasmania,” he said.

“We all have a lot of questions, and we need to form that as part of our investigation.”

He said it was his understanding that the zorb balls were outside the jumping castle, but again, it would form part of the investigation.

“The majority of those injured were in the jumping castle,” he said.

“We need to piece every bit of the movements of the individuals together so we can present a full picture to the coroner.”

He said the reports that the children had fallen 10 metres came from witnesses to the event.