Bouncing Castle tragedy in Australia kills 5 Children

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, four children—two boys and two girls— were reported dead at the location while a fifth child died in the hospital.

At least four other children remain in hospital, most of them in critical condition.

The incident took place on Thursday morning around 10 am local time in Devonport, located in the northwestern part of Tasmania state.

“On a day where these children were meant to be celebrating their last day at primary school, instead we are all mourning their loss”

Commissioner Darren Hine

A celebration turned tragic

Hillcrest Primary School had been celebrating the end of the school year with a “Big Day In,” according to a post on its Facebook page. The event included water activities like a slip ‘n slide and sprinklers as well as games, dancing, arts and crafts, a bouncy castle and zorb balls (inflatable, transparent orbs also known as “human hamster balls”).

The school later posted on Facebook that there had been an accident and asked parents to pick up their children.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the tragedy as “shattering and heartbreaking” and told reporters: “Young children on a fun day out, together with their families and it turns to such a horrific tragedy at this time of year. It just breaks your heart.”