After a gust of wind caused a jump castle to be blown into the air 10m high at an end-of-2018 celebration, a sixth child died.
Darren Hine, Tasmanian Police Commissioner confirmed the death of Chace Harrison on Sunday afternoon – just three days following the terrible accident.
A mini-tornado struck the school’s bouncing house at Hillcrest Primary School Devonport in northern Tasmania on Thursday morning.
Police released Friday the names of five Year 6 and 5 students who died in the catastrophe on Friday – Jalailah Jayne Jones, Peter Dodt and Jye Sheehan – all ages 12, and Addison Stewart.
Royal Hobart Hospital is currently caring for two critically ill children. Beau Medcraft (12 years old) was released to go home on Friday.
Premier Peter Gutwein stated that Chace’s relatives are suffering from trauma, but he agreed for authorities to remove his name.
Chace Harrison, Eleven years old (pictured), died Sunday afternoon three days following the terrible accident.
Addison Stewart, (pictured) was another student who tragically died when the jumping tower was raised 10 metres high.
Pictured: Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12, who also died in the tragedy on Thursday morning
He stated that they have an office there to assist them in their traumatic situations.
When asked how long the police investigation into the disaster will take, Mr Gutwein said: It is too early to say but there is a lot of pieces of the investigation that need to be pulled together.’
“We do not want to rush but we are aware that there is a need in the community for information.”
Gutwein explained that there were over 40 year 5/6 children present at Thursday’s graduation ceremony.
He stated that ‘we know how difficult it can be for the involved’ and that he wanted to make sure he had the best possible services interview all children affected.
“We must do it sensitively, and we accept the invitation of NSW Police for their help.”
Pictured is Peter Dodt (12 years), who was tragically killed at a jumping-castle accident Thursday morning
Tragically, Zane Mellor died in an accident at a jumping-barrel in Tasmania on Thursday morning
Police announced on Friday afternoon that Jye Sheehan, 12, was also one of the victims
On Sunday, Mr Hine stated that forensic child interviewers arrived in Tasmania to assist with interviews with young witnesses.
He stated, “It’s crucial that we do not pre-empt any outcome before all evidence has been gathered and the investigation’s completed,”
Premier of Tasmania praised Tasmanians for their support for the affected families.
Witnesses reported that parents were distraught and sobbed when hearing the news about their children.
As his wife broke down outside of school, the Prime Minister comforted her.
The bouquets were left with a handwritten note which read: ‘In loving memory of these beautiful children who are no longer with us.’
Scott Morrison, his wife Jenny and the victims of a tragic jumping-arcade accident in Tasmania last week have paid their respects to those children.
Tasmanians came together at the school to offer their condolences on Saturday and Friday to remember the victims.
“Our heart breaks for those families and communities left behind. All my thoughts and prayers are with you. Jen, Scott Abbey, Lilly and Abbey send their love and sympathies.
After a moment of silent reflection, Morrison then knelt down to read some cards that had been left behind by the members of his community.
Photographs have shown the devastated faces of classmates, family members and other community members who were unable to comprehend how this tragedy could have happened.
Sarah Courtney (state education minister) was emotional while she gave a bouquet full of flowers to the Memorial on Saturday.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein and Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff dropped flowers off, while Annette Rockliff of Devonport was greeted by flowers. On the sidewalk, children wrote heartfelt messages with crayons.
Tasmanians visited Hillcrest Primary School Thursday and Friday, to pay respect.
The school fence was surrounded by hundreds of flower bouquets that began to line up on a hill (pictured).
A hilltop in front of the school fence was lined with hundreds of flower bouquets. Soft toys, written messages and other emotional tributes were also present.
An entire section of the footpath has been turned into a memorial for students who have lost their lives.
After it was discovered that all state schools were prohibited from using jumping Castles during an ongoing investigation into the accident, this decision comes as a result.
Tasmania’s Education Department stated that it has ‘put a stop to the use jumping castle-style apparatus until the results from the investigation are known.