Families of children killed in Hillcrest jumping castle incident ‘shattered’ after not guilty verdict
GuardianJUN 3
Australian Bouncy Castle Operator Cleared in Fatal Tragedy
Above: A generic image of children waiting in line to play in a bouncy house. Image copyright: Unsplash
The Spin
Narrative A
This verdict is a devastating blow to the families of Chace, Jalailah, Zane, Addison, Jye, and Peter, who died tragic, unnecessary deaths. Despite Gamble's failure to properly anchor the castle, the court still decided to offer no justice, leaving grieving parents like Georgie Burt and Andrew Dodt shattered, without accountability or closure.
Narrative B
While the loss of these young ones is heartbreaking, Gamble doesn't deserve punishment. The court rightly blamed this tragedy on an "unforeseeable" dust devil, not Gamble's actions. Even extra anchors wouldn't have prevented the disaster. Gamble, a mother, carries profound remorse for the families, and punishing her would not make things any better.