‘Sweet soul’ among 5 children killed in bouncy castle horror that injured 3 others – World News
Addison Stewart and Zane Gardam were identified by friends and family in online tributes after the tragic incident in Australia, which saw a gust of wind lifted the inflatable 30ft into the air
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Tasmania: Scott Morrison reacts to death of schoolchildren
The first victims of a bouncy castle tragedy that left five children dead after a gust of wind lifted the inflatable 30ft into the air have been identified.
Addison Stewart was named by family in an online tribute to the “sweet, kind, old, soul” following the horrific incident in in Tasmania, Australia on Thursday morning.
Fellow year six pupil Zane Gardam was described as a “beautiful, caring, gentle soul” by friends and family online after the horrifying event took the lives of five primary students.
Three other students thought to be aged between 10 and 12 also died when they fell from the bouncy castle at an end-of-year school celebration.
Another three students of a similar age are in hospital in a critical condition and another is seriously hurt.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said they are investigating how many children were on the ‘castle’ when the incident unfolded.
Zane Gardam was described as a ‘beautiful and caring’ young man
He added: “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 loved ones, schoolmates, teachers of these young people who were taken too soon.”
“It’s an emotional day for everyone who is tragically impacted by today.”
“I’ve already seen pictures of police officers quite upset, as you’d expect. Any emergency services and teachers, everyone is affected in some way.”
A freak gust of wind lifted the bouncy castle 10 metres
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Image:
via REUTERS)
A GoFundMe page was set up shortly after by Zoe Smith, who describes herself as a ‘Davenport girl moved by the incident’ and hoping to help the grieving families get through Christmas.
The page has raised just over £145,000 so far. All funds will be donated to the school and the Parents and Friends committee to be distributed to the families.
A second GoFundMe page was launched by the partner of Zane’s dad, Denitta Ryder, to help her partner “grieve with family at home”.
She wrote on the campaign: “My partner Tim lost his son today Zane in the terrible tragedy at Hillcrest primary school.
Tasmania officers inspect the castle
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Image:
via REUTERS)
“Any help that can be given so Tim can take some time off work to grieve with his family would be very much appreciated.
“RIP Zane – we love you always & forever. Our hearts go out to all the families involved.”
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the accident as ‘unthinkably 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,’ he said while on a visit on the NSW Central Coast.
“It just breaks your heart.”
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