Devastating update on investigation into Hillcrest Primary School deaths
An inquest into the tragedy that unfolded at Hillcrest Primary School has hit an unexpected hurdle, as WorkSafe Tasmania is refusing to release the findings of their investigation.
The devastating incident unfolded in December 2021 when six children died after a jumping castle was blown into the air during an end-of-year celebration at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania.
As the inquest into the incident was due to proceed to determine what caused the accident, it was revealed in a pre-inquest hearing on Tuesday morning that WorkSafe Tasmania will continue to refuse to provide its report because it believes it will prejudice "any potential prosecutions" under work, health and safety laws.
Coroner Olivia McTaggart said the decision was "unfortunate" and the inquest was adjourned pending an appeal in the Supreme Court in April.
Ms McTaggart went on to say that because she did not have access to expert opinions and engineer reports, she could not properly investigate.
"They are crucial to issues such as causation," she said.
"In the absence of that material, the inquest cannot proceed."
Sam Thompson, who was representing WorkSafe Tasmania, told the coroner the decision to not disclose the report was "most regrettable".
He said an initial investigation into the tragedy had been completed, saying, "[It] is large and has been referred to the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions]."
He said a second "supplementary investigation" was ongoing and in its early stages, adding that not disclosing the report findings was for the "importance of protection".
The coroner and lawyers representing families of the children will appeal to have the WorkSafe documents released in order for the inquest to proceed.
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