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A sixth child dies after the inflatable castle tragedy in Australia

2021-12-19T16:17:46.679Z


The 11-year-old Chace Harrison "passed away in hospital this afternoon," Tasman Police Commissioner Darren Hine said.


Bouncy castle flies off with several children inside 0:49

(CNN) -

A sixth child died in hospital after a bouncy castle was lifted into the air at a school event in Australia late last week, police said Sunday.

The 11-year-old Chace Harrison "passed away in hospital this afternoon," Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said in a statement.

"Our thoughts continue to be with his family, and the families and loved ones of all the children involved, during an incomprehensibly difficult time," Hine added.

The boy was one of nine children who fell 10 meters from a bouncy castle that was blown up by the wind during an end-of-the-year event at Hillcrest Elementary School in Devonport, on the north coast of Tasmania.

In all, six children died in the tragedy.

Two children remain in critical condition at the hospital, while another is recovering at home, police added.

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Police previously released the names and images of the other five victims, with the permission of their families.

They are Addison Stewart, 11, and Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Jye Sheehan, Peter Dodt and Zane Mellor, who were 12.

The five previous victims, from left: Addison Stewart, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Jye Sheehan, Peter Dodt and Zane Mellor.

It is investigated what caused the tragedy, including the force of the wind at that time and how the castle had been tied to the ground.

Commissioner Hine said the Devonport Division of Criminal Investigation's priority will be "to interview all witnesses, gather and analyze forensic evidence and all environmental aspects, including weather patterns and conditions at the time of the incident."

"Given the scale of this critical incident and the need to speak to large numbers of traumatized children in a short period of time, we have accepted an offer from the NSW Police to help conduct interviews in connection with the investigation." added Hine of assistance from the largest state force in New South Wales.

  • Inflatable castle flies off with several children inside

The bouncy castle was one of many surprises organized for students as part of "Big Day In," according to the school's Facebook page.

Other activities included a water play area and Zorb balls.

Hine said that "about 40" children were participating in the activities when a gust of wind lifted the castle off the ground.

Several adults were supervising the event and provided first aid until emergency services arrived, he added.

The incident shocked the country, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters shortly after that it was "unthinkably heartbreaking."

CNN's Sheena McKenzie contributed to this report.

Accident

Source: cnnespanol

All news articles on 2021-12-19

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