As an investigation begins, the tight-knit Tasmanian town of Devonport grieves

Just over a week out from Christmas and the yard of Hillcrest primary school should have been abandoned for the holidays, children gone, gates locked.

But on Friday the car park was full. The police were there along with investigators trying to piece together the course of events that led to a tragedy that has befallen the northern Tasmanian town of Devonport.

The sheer enormity of the tragedy has led to an outpouring from local and national leaders and brought people from across the region to these gates.

The man was one of a constant procession bearing flowers and handwritten notes who made their way here throughout the day. More will come tomorrow.

Nearby, a woman dropped to her knees in the morning sunshine to light a single candle. Contemplative teenagers left their bikes along the entry to the school and sat on the low fence in silence, watching people come and go, occasionally kicking the dirt.

Clearly in shock, and many oblivious to the media milling around, people threw their arms around each other. Others stood in silence, staring at the scene in helplessness. Many were in tears. Community leaders, clearly well known by the crowd, also gathered beneath the towering gum trees, hugging those who came.

What is known so far is that close to 40 year 5 and 6 students were taking part in the end of term activities when the incident occurred at 10am. The jumping castle and huge inflatable zorb balls with students inside were picked up by a strong gust of wind and hurled into the air.