Five children have diėd in Australia after a bouncy castle they were playing in was blown away by wind to a height of 32 feet (10 meters) from the ground.
Another four have critically injurėd, after falling from the same bouncy castle during an event held at Children at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, on the north coast of Tasmania.
Among the dėad pupils include two girls and two boys while the gender of a fifth child who diėd later in hospital is not known.
CNN reports that ėmergency services, including helicopters, were dispatched to the school to treat the injurėd and transport some to hospital.
“Nine grade 5/6 Hillcrest Primary School students fell from a height of around 10 meters after a significant local wind event caused a jumping castle and several inflatable “zorb” balls to lift into the air about 10 am.,” Tasmanian Police said in a statement.
The incidėnt puts to question recreational facilities being used for both children and adults, especially during the festive season.
The bouncy castle, alongside a Water Play Zone and Zorb balls, was part of the ‘Big Day In’ organised by the school during the event.
“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 tragėdy,” Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said.
“On a day when schoolchildren are celebrating the end of term so close to Christmas, it’s simply inconceivable that this shocking incidėnt has occurred.”
Other playground facilities that have previously been put to question regarding children’s safety include swings and merry-go-rounds, which pose a great risk in case of accidėnts.
For bouncy castles, the UK government requires that they should only be used when the wind speed is below 38km/h (24mph). This is the speed at which small trees begin to sway.
According to the UK health and safety law, all bouncy castle equipment used “as a slide or for bouncing upon” by members of the public needs to be regularly tested by a “competent” person.
The Health and Safety Executive in UK says that accidėnts involving broken limbs and necks are not uncommon during bouncy castle events.
Parents are encouraged to put safety first for their children during the festive period, especially during public events.
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This tragic incident highlights the critical need for strict safety regulations and supervision during children’s recreational activities. The safety of bouncy castles and similar attractions must be prioritized, especially in unpredictable weather conditions. It’s heartbreaking that this event resulted in such loss, and our thoughts are with the families affected.