5 pupils die in school bouncy castle horror
Freak gust flings inflatable 32ft into the air
FIVE children died and four others were injured after a bouncy castle was flung 32ft into the air by a freak gust of wind.
The youngsters, aged between 10 and 12, had been enjoying a primary school fun outing on the last day of term before their Christmas holiday.
The gust sent the inflatable soaring from the ground on the Australian island of Tasmania.
Four children died at the scene and a fifth died later in hospital. Pupil Zane Gardam has been identified as one of the five victims.
Medics are treating four other youngsters, three of whom are understood to be critically injured.
Police have now launched a probe into how the bouncy castle was able to leave the ground.
Tasmanian police commissioner Darren Hine said: “A wind gust had reportedly caused the jumping castle and inflatable balls to lift into the air,”
“Our hearts are breaking for the families and the loved ones, schoolmates, teachers of these young people who were taken too soon.”
Australia’s prime minister Scott Morrison said the accident was “shattering” and “unthinkably heartbreaking.”
He said: “Young children on a fun day out together... and it turns to such horrific tragedy at this time of year – it just breaks your heart.”
The tragedy happened at Hillcrest Primary School in the town of Devonport, on the north coast of the island.
One parent of a pupil at the school said: “You wouldn’t dream a fun activity day would end like this.
“We all feel so heartbroken for the parents involved. And feel guilty that we are also relieved our children were not injured.”
Tasmania’s premier Peter Gutwein said: “I’m certain that I speak for all Tasmanians in extending my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of everyone affected by today’s tragedy.”
“On a day when schoolchildren were celebrating the end of term, so close to Christmas – it’s simply inconceivable that this shocking incident has occurred.”
“I know this is a strong and caring community that will stand together and support one another. I know that they will do that with love and kindness to get them through this.”
In the UK, Summer Grant, seven, was killed when a bouncy castle blew away at a fairground in Harlow, Essex in March 2016.
Ava-May Littleboy, three, died after she was thrown 20ft when an inflatable trampoline exploded at Gorleston Beach, Norfolk in July 2018.