Authorities in Australia claimed on Thursday that strong winds carried an inflated jumping castle into the air during end-of-year school celebrations, forcing them to fall 10 meters (33 feet), killing four children and injuring numerous more.
Around 10 a.m., two boys and two girls in their final year of the elementary school died in an accident in Devonport, Tasmania’s northwest (2300 GMT on Wednesday). Authorities reported five more youngsters were in the hospital, four of them were in severe condition.
There was no apparent explanation for how the jumping castle became airborne, and no more information about the children’s identities was revealed other than the fact that the incident occurred at Hillcrest Primary School. Students in Year 6, the final year of primary school, are typically 10 or 11 years old.
The disaster was one of Australia’s bloodiest involving an amusement ride, and it sparked a national outcry.
“We’re all mourning their death on a day when these children were supposed to be celebrating their last day of elementary school,” Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine told reporters.
“Our hearts grieve for the families and loved ones of these young people, who were gone far too soon, as well as their classmates and teachers.”
“It is absolutely incomprehensible that this horrible event has occurred,” Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said, promising a full inquiry.
The tragedy was termed as “shattering and tragic” by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
“At this time of year, little children on a pleasant day out with their families turn into such awful tragedy.” Morrison told reporters, “It really kills your heart.”
After an initial inquiry, Hine, the police commissioner, said the accident will be sent to a coroner for an inquest.
