Five children die, several others critically injured after jumping castle blown into air at Tasmanian school
by ABC
Five children have died and four others remain in hospital after wind picked up a jumping castle and threw it into the air at an end-of-year activity day at a Tasmanian primary school.
Several children fell from a height of about 10 metres, causing serious injuries, when wind blew the jumping castle into the air at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, in the state’s north-west.
Police confirmed on Thursday evening that another child had died in hospital after the incident, taking the death toll to five.
Earlier, police had confirmed four students had died after the tragedy.
“These children were meant to be celebrating their last day of primary school, instead we’re all mourning their loss,” Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said this afternoon.
“Emergency services were called to the scene around 10am this morning after a wind gust had reportedly caused the jumping castle and inflatable zorb balls to lift into the air,” Commissioner Hine said.
Read the full story here.
Media release – Tasmania Police, 16 December 2021 – 10:45 am
Police attending serious incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport
Police and emergency services are responding to a serious incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, after a wind event caused a jumping castle to lift into the air.
Several children fell from a height of about ten metres around 10am and are currently receiving medical treatment at the scene. Some serious injuries have occurred.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter is on its way to the scene.
Please avoid the area to allow emergency services to respond.
16 December 2021 – 12:15 pm
Police and emergency services remain on the scene of a serious incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, after a wind event caused a jumping castle to lift into the air.
Several children fell from a height of about 10 metres around 10am and are currently receiving medical treatment at the scene as well as in hospitals. Sadly, one child has died and a number of others are critical. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those involved. No further details about the fatality can be released at this stage for privacy reasons.
Several helicopters are responding to the incident to transport patients.
Please avoid the area to allow emergency services to respond.
16 December 2021 – 1:43 pm.
Tragically police can confirm two children have died as a result of an incident at Hillcrest Primary School around 10am this morning.
Sadly, four children have died and five have been seriously injured in a tragic incident involving a jumping castle at a Devonport primary school today.
Nine Grade 5/6 Hillcrest Primary School students fell from a height of around 10 metres after a significant local wind event caused a jumping castle and several inflatable “zorb” balls to lift into the air about 10am.
Police and emergency services, including two helicopters rushed to the scene within minutes and began administering first aid.
Sadly, four children – two girls and two boys – died and another five suffered critical or serious injuries and are in hospital.
“On a day where these children were meant to be celebrating their last day at primary school, instead we are all mourning their loss,” Commissioner Darren Hine said.
“Our hearts are breaking for the families and loved ones, school mates and teachers of those children taken too soon.
“Our thoughts are with the staff of Hillcrest Primary School and wider school community as well as those emergency services who attended the scene as first responders.
“We will be doing everything we can to support the community – and each other – through this tragedy.
Support and counselling are being made available to all those involved, including our emergency service workers.
“Our focus right now is on supporting our community, and all those affected,” Commissioner Hine said.
“The loss of any child impacts significantly on our community and this tragedy is understandably distressing for us all.
“This incident will impact all of us in different ways so it’s important that we all look after each other at this difficult time.”
Investigations are underway, with involvement from WorkSafe Tasmania. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
If people need support at this difficult time, there are a range of 24 hour support available:
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
- Mental Health Services Helpline – 1800 332 388
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
- Lifeline – 131114
Media release – Peter Gutwein, Premier, 16 December 2021
Hillcrest Primary School tragedy
Today’s tragedy at Hillcrest Primary school in Devonport is utterly devastating and heartbreaking for all involved.
It is difficult for me to find the right words in such tragic circumstances in which very sadly four children have passed away, four are in a critical condition and one is in a serious condition in hospital.
I am certain that I speak for all Tasmanians in extending my deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and loved ones of everyone affected by this tragedy.
For the five children who remain in hospital, our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families during this difficult time.
On a day when school children are celebrating the end of term, so close to Christmas, it is simply inconceivable that this shocking tragedy has occurred.
Tasmania Police remain on the scene, along with Worksafe Tasmania investigators, and these tragic circumstances will be fully and thoroughly investigated.
We stand ready to provide whatever support we can to the families directly impacted, the students, staff, the broader community, and emergency services and our first responders who I know have also been deeply impacted.
I know that this is a strong and caring community that will stand together and support one another with love and kindness to get through this.
I know that I speak for all Tasmanians when I say that we all will stand with you through this difficult time.
My heart goes out to everyone impacted by this tragic event.
Rebecca White MP, Labor Leader & Josh Willie MLC, Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years, 16 December 2021
Hillcrest tragedy devastating for all involved
Today’s tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport is utterly heartbreaking and will be felt throughout the region.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the horrific events at the school’s end of year celebrations are devastating for everyone concerned.
“There are few words to describe today’s horrific incident,” Ms White said.
“As a parent, it is hard to fathom the tragic loss of life of young children who were simply having fun on their last day of school.
“To see these happy activities turn to horror in the blink of an eye is just devastating for the children, their families and loved ones, for the school and wider community, and for the emergency services who attended the scene.
“My heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of the children who have tragically lost their lives.
“My thoughts are also with the children who have been injured and their families, the school community and everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.”
Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years Josh Willie said he was utterly devastated to learn of today’s events.
“As someone involved with school communities for many years, I know how heartbreaking and traumatic this is for everyone concerned, and the effects on Hillcrest Primary staff and students will be deep and long-lasting.
“I also send my deepest condolences to the families of those children who have died and offer my support to the families of those who were injured, along with the school staff and students, and the wider Devonport community.”
Cassy O’Connor MP, Greens Leader, 16 December 2021
Hillcrest Primary School Tragedy
There are times when the English language is inadequate to describe the overwhelming sadness we feel. There are no words to name the heartbreak.
When innocent children suffer, even more so.
Today is such a day.
On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, I want to join the Premier and Leader of the Opposition in expressing our deepest sorrow over the tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School.
We send love and strength to the families who have suffered unimaginable loss today, to the injured children, and grieving school community.
Rosalie and I also want to thank first responders to the scene and acknowledge the trauma they too are suffering.
Media release – Australian Medical Association Tasmania, 16 December 2021
HILLCREST PRIMARY SCHOOL TRAGEDY
AMA Tasmania would like to express our sincere condolences to those families and loved ones who have lost a child in today’s tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport.
The loss of a child is heartbreaking; the profound grief and the impact of such loss on the parents and families of those who experience it is unimaginable.
We hope you can take some comfort in knowing you are not alone; the health care community of Tasmania joins you in your grief at a time that should be otherwise filled with joy and cheer.
Our thoughts are also with the students, teachers and other parents and friends of the Hillcrest school community who are coming to terms with this tragedy today.
We also recognise the impact of this event on the first responders and all health care staff providing care to those who have died and those who remain in critical care. We honour your work in such tragic circumstances.
We all hold our children and grandchildren that little bit closer tonight.
Media release – Kidsafe Tasmnia, 17 December 2021
JUMPING CASTLE INCIDENT DEVONPORT
Kidsafe Tasmania’s heart is broken. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and the Devonport community. Our thoughts are with you all.
It is important to provide space and time for families to grieve and express their feelings. Kidsafe Tasmania will be making no other comment at this stage.
As experts in injury prevention in young people we will seek a meeting with government and stakeholders to discuss future implications.
