Australia jumping castle tragedy: five children dead and several critically injured in Tasmania
A fifth child has died and three remain critically injured after they fell about 10 metres from a jumping castle that was blown into the air in north-west Tasmania.
Police confirmed two girls and two boys, in year 5 and 6, died in the tragedy at Hillcrest primary school in Devonport on Thursday morning. In a statement on Thursday evening police confirmed a fifth child died in hospital.
Police commissioner Darren Hine said officers were called to the school after a wind gust caused the jumping castle and inflatable balls to be lifted into the air.
“On a day when these children were meant to be celebrating the last day of primary school, instead we’re all mourning their loss,” Hine said.
“Our hearts are breaking for the families and the loved ones, schoolmates, teachers of these young people who were taken too soon.
“Our thoughts are also with those emergency services personnel who attended to try and save these people’s lives.”
It is still unclear how many children were playing on the jumping castle when it was blown into the air. Four are in hospital, with three in a critical condition.
Hine said an investigation was under way, with the coroner having already visited the scene. Police will prepare a report for the coroner in conjunction with WorkSafe Tasmania.
The premier Peter Gutwein said the tragedy was “devastating and heartbreaking.”
“It’s difficult for me to find the right words in such tragic circumstances.”
“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 school children were celebrating the end of term, so close to Christmas. It’s simply inconceivable that this shocking incident has occurred.”
“I know that 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.”
Earlier, commander Debbie Williams spoke at the school and described the scene as “distressing”.
“This is a very tragic event and our thoughts are with the families and the wider school community, and also our first responders,” Williams said.
“There is no doubt that this has been a very confronting and distressing scene.
“Counselling is being made available to the families affected by this in the school community along with the first responders.”
Several rescue helicopters were used to transport the children, while police units and multiple ambulance crews attended the scene.
People were advised to avoid the area.
The school announced on Facebook it was closing for the remainder of Thursday and asked parents to urgently collect their children.
The school was holding a ‘Big Day In’ celebration to mark the end of the school year.
The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, said the events were “shattering”.
“The events that occurred today in Devonport in Tasmania are just shattering. They are just unthinkably heartbreaking.
“Young children on a fun day out, together with their families and it turns to such horrific tragedy, at this time of year, it just breaks your heart.”
He said he had spoken to the Tasmanian premier, Peter Gutwein, who was on his way to Devonport, to offer his full support.
“I just want to say, to the parents and families and friends, all who were there, to the other young children there … I just pray you’ll have great family around you and great friends and you
can come through this horrific tragedy.”