10-year-old child dies at Flip Out trampoline park with police probing 'unexplained' tragedy
A 10-year-old boy has died at a Flip Out trampoline park in Glasgow.
On Sunday 18 August, a little boy, aged 10, fell ill and died in an ‘unexplained’ situation which led to customers hearing ‘hysterical screaming’ coming from the bouncy castle area of the arena.
Police have identified that there was nothing ‘suspicious’ about the circumstances which led to the death.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Inquiries are ongoing after a child took unwell at a premises in Southcroft Road, Rutherglen, shortly before 11.00am on Sunday, 18 August 2024.
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“The child, a 10-year-old boy, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Hospital for Children where he was pronounced dead."
Flip Out Glasgow wrote in a statement on their Facebook page: "Yesterday morning, a 10-year-old child became unwell at Flip Out Glasgow just after 9am. Emergency services were promptly contacted, and the child was taken to the Royal Hospital for Children, where, sadly, they were later pronounced dead.
"The Health and Safety Executive have been informed, and at this time, there are no indications of suspicious circumstances. We are fully cooperating with Police Scotland in their investigations.
"We are profoundly saddened by this tragic event, and our deepest sympathies go out to the child's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."
The trampoline centre has come under fire numerous times since being opened in 2012 in Australia and expanding to over 30 locations in the UK.
Flip Out Chester has had as many as 270 visitors being injured in less than a two-month period.
Even some as young as 11 years old were hurt after jumping from the 17ft high tower.
Of those injured, 11 people broke their backs, which included a staff member.
Some even ended up needing emergency surgery when they fractured their backs in the 'inadequate' pit of foam cubes.
Because of the notoriety, doctors informed the authorities of the amount of casualties when they saw three people with broken backs in one day on February 1 2017.
This instance led to an investigation by Cheshire West and Cheshire Council, which found 'significant failings and shortcomings' and the tower was shut down.
At the time, David Shuttleworth and Matthew Melling were the directors of the location and ultimately pleaded guilty to health and safety offences and subjected to 250 of unpaid hours of work and £72,800 in fines and court fees.
Because of their 'cavalier attitude' to risk, they were handed the hefty fine.
But those who were still injured or left with awful memories thought this was a 'slap on the wrist'.
The pair have since been replaced by new management.
LADbible has reached out to Flip Out Glasgow for further comment.
Britt Jones