Six kids died as bouncy castle flung 30ft into air by ‘freak mini tornado’ sending children plunging to their deaths

SIX children died after a “freak mini-tornado” flung the bouncy castle they were playing on 30ft into the air. The horror accident occurred on the last day of term at Hillcrest Primary School near Devonport, Tasmania. ReutersThe gust of wind sent the bouncy castle 30ft into the air[/caption] ReutersEmergency services rushed to the scene at Hillcrest Primary School[/caption] Tasmania PoliceJye Sheehan, 12, was also one of the victims[/caption] And nearly six months later, a joint public inquest into the tragedy will be given priority a coroner said. The incident happened last December when about 40 children gathered to celebrate the end of the term. Graduating students flocked to the jumping castle, inflatable zorba balls and water play activities. But soon chaos endured as a strong gust of wind launched the inflatable into the air, sending six students plunging to their deaths. READ MORE ON WORLD NEWS TOTAL SHAM Fury over horror death sentences for Brit fighters as ‘depraved’ Putin slammed RAPE HELL Woman ‘was brutally gang-raped TWICE after sick workers demanded more for ticket’ They were later identified by police as Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, all age 12, and Addison Stewart, 11. Another three children were injured. One parent told The Australian at the time: “They have called it a strong gust of wind, but it was more like a freak mini-tornado. And it seems like it was a freak accident.” “Only yesterday my wife was at the school taking photos of the children before the summer break. Most read in The Sun IN IT TO WIN IT Liverpool 'agree terms with Darwin Nunez' but Man Utd launch late bid NOT IN MY YARD I’m furious after the council sold my garden to my neighbours behind my back 'HE'S A PREDATOR' Comic Katherine Ryan 'confronted sex pest' on popular TV programme NOT A LOTTO! UK's record £184m lottery winners make first big purchase - a £38k used Volvo 'poor toyah' Corrie fans say the same thing as Leanne realises Toyah killed Imran 'BAD ATTITUDE' Love Island's Gemma Owen's family take drastic measures to save her career “They were all so happy … what has happened today is just so gut-wrenching. Everyone is just in a state of shock.” The investigation into the deaths of the students is ongoing with evidence still being collected, reports 7 News. Tasmania PoliceJalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12 died when the jumping castle was flung into the air[/caption] Tasmania PolicePeter Dodt was another victim[/caption] go fund me11-year-old Addison Stewart tragically died in the accident[/caption] The state’s colonial office said: “A very large amount of investigative work has taken place already, with the coroner coordinating the investigation and holding regular meetings with members of the investigation teams. Coroner McTaggart who is overseeing the investigation has recently been given evidence from Tasmania Police’s investigation- including eyewitness accounts. WorkSafe Tasmania is expected to present findings from its investigation on the jumping castle business, equipment and set-up. The coroner will also be presented with evidence from engineering and scientific experts, as well as meteorology experts regarding the weather conditions. Read More on The Sun REST EASY Flight attendant's top hotel safety tip - and you only need a piece of loo roll NOT IN MY YARD I’m furious after the council sold my garden to my neighbours behind my back The statement concluded: “It is hoped that all evidence, including all necessary expert opinion, will be received within coming months. “Unfortunately, it is very difficult to provide precise time frames for completion of the investigation.” Zane Mellor was another one of the victims Chase Harrison died alongside his classmates last yearTasmania Police We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? Email us at exclusive@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours Click here to get The Sun newspaper delivered for FREE for the next six weeks.