Disasters & Accidents

At least 4 children killed after wind blows jumping castle in Australia

Sydney, Australia, Dec 16 (EFE).- At least four children lost their lives and five suffered injuries on Thursday after a gust of wind blew a bouncy castle into the air in a school on the island of Tasmania in southeastern Australia, police said.

Four of the injured were critical after the tragedy hit the jumping castle.

According to the preliminary investigation, a strong gust of wind blew the castle into the air and the children playing in it fell from the height of about 10 meters at around 10 am.

“On a day when these children were meant to be celebrating the last day of primary school, instead we are all mourning their loss,” Police commissioner Darren Hine told reporters.

Police have not confirmed anchored the castle to the ground and have avoided revealing the age of the victims.

The accident took place in Hillcrest Primary School, in the northern Tasman city of Devonport.

The school was holding a New Year’s Eve party for its students.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the tragedy “is utterly devastating and heartbreaking for all involved.”

“It is difficult for me to find the right words in such tragic circumstances in which very sadly four children have passed away, four are in a critical condition and one is in a serious condition in hospital,” Gutwein said in a Facebook post.

“On a day when school children are celebrating the end of term, so close to Christmas, it is simply inconceivable that this shocking tragedy has occurred.”

The premier said Tasmania police remain on the scene, along with Worksafe Tasmania investigators.

He said the tragic circumstances “will be fully and thoroughly investigated.”

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted that his heart was “breaking for all those impacted by the tragedy.”

“My prayers are with the family and friends of the children who lost their lives, the injured, the first responders and all those who witnessed this deeply distressing event.” EFE

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