Two of the five children killed in a disturbing inflatable castle tragedy in Australia on Thursday have been identified.
According to The Guardian, the tragic incident unfolded Thursday at the Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania. As the children were celebrating their last day of primary school by jumping on the inflatable castle, a gust of wind entered and lifted the castle and inflatable balls off of the ground.
“On a day when these children were meant to be celebrating the last day of primary school, instead we’re all mourning their loss,” Police Commissioner Darren Hine said.
Nine students plunged into the air and dropped 33 feet down to the ground. Five children lost their lives during the incident. Four additional children are in the hospital in critical condition.
Two of the children have been identified as Addison Stewart (pictured right) and Georgia “Zane” Gardam (pictured left), The West Australian reports. The names of the other three children who died have not yet been released.
Several children have fallen from a height of 10 metres, causing serious injuries, after the wind blew a jumping castle into the air at a primary school in Tasmania's north-west @abcnews pic.twitter.com/tf01vevPab
— Monte Bovill (@MonteBovill) December 16, 2021
“Our hearts are breaking for the families and the loved ones, schoolmates, teachers of these young people who were taken too soon,” Hine added.
Police said that an investigation is underway but the tragedy appears to be accidental. Prime Minister Scott Morrison called it “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,” he said.
Check back for updates.
GoFundMe Page for Georgie “Zane” Gardham
GoFundMe Page for Addison Stewart
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[Feature Photos via GoFundMe]
