A sudden, highly unpredictable mini tornado struck Hillcrest Primary School in Tasmania during a Christmas event in December 2021, lifting a jumping castle and inflatable Zorb balls about 16 metres into the air. Six children died and three others were seriously injured, prompting an inquest into whether Australia’s safety rules for inflatable amusement devices are sufficient to prevent similar tragedies.

The court is examining anchoring requirements, supervision and operations during windy conditions, Australian safety standards, and the role of WorkSafe Tasmania. The weather had reportedly been clear, hot and almost windless before the extreme gust arrived; the supplier’s owner was acquitted of a workplace-safety charge last year, while a class action has since been launched on behalf of victims, families and witnesses.