(BBC) – Five children have died and four others are injured after falling from a bouncy castle that was blown into the air in Australia, police say.
The accident – caused by a wind gust – happened on Thursday at a primary school fun day in Devonport, Tasmania.
Police said the children had fallen from 10m (32ft), with both girls and boys among the victims.
Authorities did not give their ages but said all were in grades five or six – typically for children aged 10-12.
“A wind gust had reportedly caused the jumping castle and inflatable balls to lift into the air,” Tasmanian Police Commissioner Darren Hine said.
“Our hearts are breaking for the families and the loved ones, schoolmates, teachers of these young people who were taken too soon.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the accident as “unthinkably heartbreaking”.
“Young children on a fun day out… and it turns to such horrific tragedy. At this time of the year, it just breaks your heart,” he said.
Paramedics arrived quickly at Hillcrest Primary School after the accident at about 10.00 local time (23:00 Wednesday GMT).
