Five Children, Ages 10 To 11, Dead After Wind Hurls Bouncy Castle 33 Feet Into The Air

Five children, between the ages of 10 to 11, have been reported dead after they were hurled and fell from an inflatable bouncy castle that was sent 10 meters (some 33 feet) into the air by a strong gust of wind in Devenport, Tasmania, Australia on Wednesday, Dec. 15.

The tragic incident happened on Dec. 15 at around 10 a.m. while students of Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, on the north coast of Tasmania, were celebrating the end of their school year. A local wind caused an inflatable bouncy castle at the celebration to be lifted off the ground, with nine students who were inside the castle at the time reportedly sent falling from a height of about 10 meters (33 feet) to the ground, CNN reported.

"Nine grade 5/6 Hillcrest Primary School students fell from a height of around 10 meters after a significant local wind event caused a jumping castle and several inflatable 'zorb' balls to lift into the air about 10 a.m.," Tasmanian Police said in a statement.

The jumping castle was one among a number of treats and attractions set up for the students to enjoy as part of their "Big Day In" festivities. Other activities included a water play zone and a handful of "zorb" balls.

The tragic accident resulted in the death of two boys and two girls, around 10- or 11-years-old. Five other children are also undergoing treatment at a hospital. Among them, four are in critical condition.

“Several children fell from the jumping castle. It appears they may have fallen from a height of approximately 10 meters... This is a very tragic event and our thoughts are with the families and the wider school community and also our first responders,” Tasmania police commander Debbie Williams said.

The accident ranks among the deadliest accidents in Australia involving an amusement ride. The tragedy has brought on a wave of disbelief and mourning in the children's community. How the jumping castle suddenly became airborne remains unclear, Daily Beast reported.

"On a day when these children were meant to be celebrating their last day of primary school, instead we're all mourning their loss," Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said.

"Our hearts are breaking for the families and loved ones, schoolmates and teachers of those children taken too soon," he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the incident as "shattering and heartbreaking."