Blog Post

The Independent Observer > News > Tasmania bouncy castle fall: Four children killed and five others injured

Tasmania bouncy castle fall: Four children killed and five others injured

Four children have died and five others are injured after falling from a bouncy castle that was blown into the air in Australia, police say.

The accident – caused by a wind gust – happened on Thursday at a primary school fun day in Devonport, Tasmania.

Police said the children had fallen from a height of about 10m (32ft). Two boys and two girls died.

Authorities did not give their ages but said all were in grades five or six – typically for children aged 10-12.

“A wind gust had reportedly caused the jumping castle and inflatable balls to lift into the air,” Tasmanian Police Commissioner Darren Hine said.

“Our hearts are breaking for the families and the loved ones, schoolmates, teachers of these young people who were taken too soon.”

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the accident as “unthinkably heartbreaking”.

“Young children on a fun day out… and it turns to such horrific tragedy. At this time of the year, it just breaks your heart,” he said.

Paramedics arrived quickly at Hillcrest Primary School after the accident at about 10.00 local time (23:00 Wednesday GMT).

The children were given first aid before being flown in helicopters to hospital.

BBC