Four children were killed and five seriously injured - four are in critical condition - after they fell from a height of ten metres when strong winds blew a plastic inflatable «castle» into a primary school in the state of Tasmania, according to the police.
First aid services, supported by several helicopters, rushed to the scene of the tragedy at around 10:00 local time (01:00 GMT) at Hillcrest School in Devonport, Australia's third most populous city.
According to local media, there was an end-of-year celebration at the school when the accident occurred. No further information was given for reasons of privacy of the children and their families.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the accident «heartbreaking». «Young children had gone to have fun, with their families, and instead we had such a horrific tragedy at this time of year. It breaks your heart,’ he said.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gatwin said it was «inconceivable» that «this shocking tragedy» had occurred and promised an investigation would be carried out.
The weather service was forecasting «light winds» and sunshine today in the area where the tragedy unfolded.
