Bouncy castle tragedy in Australia claims another victim

Davenport, Australia - A sixth child has died following the horrific incident in which a bouncy castle was blown into the air by strong winds at a school in the Australian state of Tasmania, police said Sunday.

Flowers and tributes outside Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Australia, where the tragedy took place.
Flowers and tributes outside Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Australia, where the tragedy took place.  © IMAGO / AAP

"It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm an 11-year-old boy passed away in hospital this afternoon," police spokesperson Darren Hine said in a statement.

Nine children were seriously injured in Thursday's accient, which saw wind pick up a bouncy castle and throw it into the air at an end-of-year activity day at a primary school in Devonport, in the state's north-west.

Two children remain in critical condition at Royal Hobart Hospital, while another is now recovering at home, the statement added.

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Hine said an investigation will take some time.

"We are working tirelessly with all parties concerned to ensure the extensive investigation is completed as a matter of priority for the Coroner," he said.

"Given the magnitude of this critical incident and the need to speak to a large number of traumatized children within a short period of time, we have accepted an offer from NSW Police to assist in conducting interviews in relation to the investigation," Hine added.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday that an extra 800,000 Australian dollars ($570,000) will be made available to fund trauma counselling for those impacted.

Some 250,000 dollars will go to first responders involved in the accident and 550,000 dollars to the broader community, Australian nws agency AAP reported.

More than a million Australian dollars has also been raised to support those mourning.

Cover photo: IMAGO / AAP

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