In Farsund, Norway, four children were injured when a bouncy castle at Alcoaparken was lifted by the wind during the opening event of a new rugby field. Police operations leader Ronny Aateigen Andersen said two of the children may have fracture injuries. The children are being cared for by health personnel at the scene.
Police were en route to the hall at 14:34 after a report that a bouncy castle was taken by the wind, and they are conducting investigations and witness interviews. The exact cause of the lift-off remains unclear, and the full extent of the children's injuries has not been confirmed. In Hamme, Belgium, a seven-year-old boy, identified by multiple reports as Jean Kylian Essombe, died after a bouncy castle was blown into the air.
We were playing a match when it happened, and I saw the bouncy cushion being lifted by the wind. It blew up just so that it tipped once and ended up against a building. It looked very, very scary. Fortunately, considering the circumstances, it seems to have gone quite well for those involved. But it was a really unfortunate end to an otherwise great day and opening weekend.
Jean was playing on the bouncy castle with friends when it lifted off; he fell against a fence and suffered life-threatening injuries. He was taken to AZ Sint-Blasius hospital and then to UZ Gent hospital, where he died. Three other children were injured and taken to hospital for checks.
Jean was at the tournament to support his brother Louis, who was playing for SK Wambeek-Ternat's U10 team. East Flanders prosecutors have opened an investigation, examining whether the bouncy castle was properly anchored and safety rules were followed. A court-appointed expert was sent to the scene.
Within our school, this loss is deeply felt. Teachers will make room for conversation and processing. In these difficult moments, we want as a school to focus on connection, care and closeness.
According to NRK Sørlandet, Harald Mikalsen, leader of Farsund Bobcats, described seeing the bouncy cushion being lifted by the wind and tipping over against a building, calling it "very, very scary" but noting that it seemed to have gone quite well for those involved. Jean's primary school in Liedekerke expressed mourning and arranged support, stating that the loss is deeply felt and that teachers will make room for conversation and processing. SK Wambeek-Ternat paid tribute to Jean, saying he was not only a talented player but a wonderful friend full of enthusiasm.
VW Hamme suspended all youth activities for the coming week, and KFC Wambeek-Ternat cancelled club activities over the weekend. According to Daily Mail - Home, Peter De Vylder, general manager of VW Hamme, described hoping such an accident never happens to a club, and Jos Donvil, chairman of KFC Wambeek-Ternat, described the accident as tragic and emphasized the task of giving support to the parents, trainers, and family, noting that Jean's brother has lost his playmate.
With deep sadness, we learned the news about Jean. It is hard to comprehend that someone so young and full of life has left us. Jeanke was not only a talented player, but above all a wonderful friend, always full of enthusiasm and with a smile on his face. We will never forget the joy he shared. Our thoughts are with his parents, his brother Louis, his family and friends at this difficult time.
Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and team of our friend who fought so hard.
You hope as a club that something like this never happens to you.
It was a tragic accident. We now have only one task, and that is to give the right support to the parents, trainers and family.
His brother, who also plays with us, has lost his playmate.