A number of children fell from about 10 metres when wind blew the equipment into the air at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport on Thursday morning
The tragedy happened on Thursday morning (
Image: Monte Bovill/ABC News)
A child has died and several others are fighting for their lives after a jumping castle was thrown into the air by strong winds.
The tragedy happened during an end-of-year activity at a primary school in Tasmania on Thursday morning.
A number of children fell from about 10 metres when wind blew the equipment into the air at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport.
Tasmanian police said of the incident in a statement: “A wind event caused a jumping castle to lift into the air.
“Several children fell from a height of about 10 metres around 10am and are currently receiving medical treatment at the scene as well as in hospitals.
“Sadly, one child has died and a number of others are critical.
Officers were seen visibly emotional
(
Image:
Monte Bovill/ABC News)
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those involved. No further details about the fatality can be released at this stage for privacy reasons.
“Several helicopters are responding to the incident to transport patients.
“Please avoid the area to allow emergency services to respond.”
Some officers were seen in tears and embracing while at the scene and the number of children injured has not yet been confirmed.
The number of injuries has not yet been confirmed
(
Image:
Monte Bovill/ABC News)
ABC reporter Monte Bovill called it a “devastating scene”, and said on Twitter that “parents have been running to the school to collect their children”.
The school was said to be hosting an end-of-year “Big Day In” celebration instead of a school picnic at the time.
Hillcrest Primary School said on Facebook : “There has been an accident onsite at our school. We are closing the school for the rest of the day.
“We ask that parents come to collect their children as a matter of urgency.”
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