Two Children Killed And Others Critical After Jumping Castle Was Pulled Into The Air

Two children have died and others are in a critical condition after a jumping castle in Tasmania was pulled into the air during fierce winds.

Authorities have confirmed there have been two fatalities in the incident that happened at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport in the state's central north.

Ambulance Tasmania has declared it a 'major incident' and there are loads of ambulances that have been tasked with treating the injured.

Tasmanian Police said 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. Some serious injuries have occurred."

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Police Commander Debbie Williams added: "Our thoughts are with the families and wider school community, and also our first responders.

"There is no doubt this has been a very confronting and distressing scene."

The jumping castle eventually crashed back down to Earth and photographs from the scene show it resting near a tree.

A blue tarp has been erected as authorities investigate the scene.

Counselling has been set up for anyone affected by the tragedy.

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Tasmania's Premier Peter Gutwein has described it as 'serious' and is hoping for all the children to recover.

"My thoughts are obviously with the people involved but obviously the parents of the children that have been injured and with the emergency services," he said during a press conference about the coronavirus.

"As we receive further information on what I understand is a very serious matter we'll provide that as the day progresses."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison added: "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.

"I just want to say, to the parents and families and friends, all who were there, to the other young children there and witnessing these events, I just pray you'll have great family around you and great friends and you can come through this horrific tragedy.

"Just a terrible tragedy. Unthinkable, horrific accident, a freak accident, that will leave families completely devastated."

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie