Four children die as wind lifts jumping castle into air at Australia school

Five more children were in hospital including four in a critical, authorities said.

There was no immediate explanation for how the jumping castle became airborne, and no other details were released of the children’s identities except that the incident took place at Hillcrest Primary School. Students in the last year of primary school, Year 6, are typically aged 10 or 11.

A Guardian report quoted Commander Debbie Williams confirming the deaths. The report added that the children were transported in rescue helicopters were used to transport, and that ambulance crew and police teams were at the spot.

“There is no doubt that this has been a very confronting and distressing scene,” Williams said, adding “Counselling is being made available to the families affected by this in the school community along with the first responders.”

The accident would rank among Australia’s deadliest involving an amusement ride, and brought on a wave of disbelief and mourning.

“On a day when these children were meant to be celebrating their last day of primary school, instead we’re all mourning their loss,” Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine told reporters. “Our hearts are breaking for the families and the loved ones, schoolmates, teachers of these young people who were taken too soon.

Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein said “it is simply inconceivable that this shocking tragedy has occurred” and promised a thorough investigation.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the incident as “shattering and 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,” Morrison told reporters.

Hine, the police commissioner, said after an initial investigation the accident would be referred to a coroner for an inquest.

(Inputs from Reuters)

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