A total of 5 children have been reported dead after falling from a bouncing castle that was blown to the air by wind.
The incident occurred in Northwest Tasmania at Hillcrest primary school in Australia on Thursday morning at 10 am local time.
The number of children who were playing in the castle was not established immediately but four are still admitted in hospital with three of them in critical condition.
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.
The children were celebrating the last day of the term before they break for the Christmas holiday only for them to be thrown from a height of about 10 meters.
“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,” he further said.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the incident was just shattering and 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. I just want to say, to the parents and families and friends, all who were there, to the other young children there and witnessing these events, I just pray you’ll have great family around you and great friends and you can come through this horrific tragedy,” Morrison said
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