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
