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16th Dec 2021

Five children dead and more injured following bouncy castle accident in Australia

Hugh Carr

four dead bouncy castle australia

Tragic news.

Five children have died and several more are in a critical condition following a bouncy castle accident in Australia.

The tragedy happened at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport in Tasmania at 10am local time on Thursday (16 December).

The children were grade 6 students between the ages of 11-12 celebrating the end of the school year.

According to news.com.au, four children remain in a critical condition and several others were injured, including one who was seriously hurt.

“Police and emergency services were called to the scene around 10am this morning after a wind gust had reportedly caused the jumping castle and inflatable Zorb balls to lift in the air,” Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said this morning.

“Police and emergency services quickly began administering first aid at the scene.

“Of the four children, two were boys, and two were girls.

“On a day when these children were meant to be celebrating their last day of primary school, instead we’re all mourning their loss.

“Our hearts are breaking for the families and the loves ones, school mates, teachers of these young people who were taken too soon.

“Our thoughts are also with those emergency service personnel who attend to try and save these people’s lives,” he concluded.

Another child died later from sustained injuries.

The Tasmanian Department of Education extended their sincere condolences to the families affected by the incident.

“This tragedy will impact us all greatly as we come to terms with dealing with this horrible loss,” the Department wrote.

“Our immediate priority is to focus on the support for those affected by this tragedy, including the students, staff and the broader school community. We have put in place a support team at the school today, led by Trudy Pearce (Deputy Secretary – Learning).”

The Department has put measures in place to provide support for families affected, including school psychologists, social workers, and chaplains.

“What has occurred today is a tragedy,” the Department added.

“There are no words that will take away the grief that those impacted families are feeling today.

“We urge members of the broader community to reach out for support in this difficult time.”

Featured image: Monte Bovill / ABC News

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