{
  "id": 8828655,
  "title": "Unimaginable grief detailed as Hillcrest jumping castle inquest begins",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/unimaginable-grief-detailed-as-hillcrest-jumping-castle-inquest-begins",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T03:23:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-21/hillcrest-jumping-castle-inquest-begins-grief-tasmania/107174466"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The coronial inquest into the deaths of six children at Hillcrest Primary School in Tasmania has commenced. The tragedy occurred on December 16, 2021, when a gust of wind lifted a jumping castle and deposited it across the school's oval, killing the children. The inquest is expected to last four days, with further hearings scheduled in November and February. Counsel assisting the coroner, Maree Norton SC, detailed the identities of each of the victims and their personalities. The children were aged 11 to 12 and in grades 5 and 6 at the time of their deaths. Family members of the victims have been deeply affected by the tragedy, with some expressing grief and distress during the inquest. The coroner has not indicated whether additional family members will provide evidence in the proceedings.",
  "summary": "The lives and personalities of the six children who died in a jumping castle tragedy in Tasmania's north-west almost five years ago have been shared in court, as the inquest into their deaths starts in Devonport.",
  "key_points": [
    "Inquest begins into 2021 Hillcrest Primary School tragedy",
    "Six children aged 11-12 killed by jumping castle",
    "Grief expressed by family members during proceedings"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The inquest's opening details the immense personal toll on families, setting a somber tone for the proceedings that will examine the circumstances of the children's deaths.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}