Children at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, on Tasmania’s north coast, were celebrating the end of the school year when the wind blew the castle into the air.
“Nine grade 5/6 students at Hillcrest Elementary fell from a height of about 10 meters after a strong local wind caused a castle to jump and several inflatable ‘zorb’ balls were lifted into the air. around 10am,” Tasmania Police said in a statement.
Four children, two girls and two boys, were killed and five others were hospitalized with serious injuries. Typically, children in grade 6 are from 10 to 12 years old.
“On a day when these children are celebrated to celebrate their last day of primary school, we all instead mourn their loss,” Commissioner Darren Hine said at a news conference. Thursday afternoon.
“Our hearts are broken because the families and loved ones, schoolmates and teachers of those children were arrested so early,” he said.
Emergency services, including helicopters, were dispatched to the school to treat the injured and transport some to hospitals.
Police Commander Debbie Williams told reporters at the school on Thursday: “This is a very tragic event and our thoughts are with the families and school community, and also those who responded. our first.
“Undoubtedly, this is a very confrontational and heartbreaking scene. Counseling is being offered to families affected by this in the school community along with first responders, ” she said.
Hillcrest Elementary School urges parents to pick up their children from school as it closes early in the day.
The bouncy castle was among a number of treats organized for students as part of the “Big Day,” according to the school’s Facebook page. Other activities include the Zorb Ball and Aquatic Playground.
Police have asked people to avoid the area.
“My thoughts are obviously with those involved, but clearly the parents of the injured children,” Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said.
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