Child tragically dies when bounce house is lifted by strong wind

A 5-year-old boy was killed and another child was injured when the bounce house they were playing in lifted 15 to 20 feet in the air by the wind during a baseball game Friday night, officials in Maryland said.

The bounce house was in the right field stands of Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland, during the game between the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs and the York Revolution, members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball league.

Around 9:21 p.m., stadium officials called 911 after the wind gust lifted the bounce house causing children to fall before it landed on the field, officials from Charles County, Maryland, said in a statement.

EMS crews who were already at the stadium, trainers from the baseball team and several volunteer first responders who were in attendance, rushed to the children’s aid, according to county officials.

The unidentified 5-year-old victim, who was from La Plata, Maryland, was rushed to Children’s Hospital but pronounced dead later in the night, officials said.

A second child suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital, according to officials.

“We extend our deepest empathy to the children and their families during this difficult time,” Charles County Government Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, said in a statement. “We thank our EMS team and the Maryland State Police for their swift actions to ensure the children received immediate care.”

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs canceled Saturday’s game and are offering counseling and support to families, players and fans who attended the game.

“Our entire organization shares our condolences with the family mourning the loss of a child, and concern for the child who was injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all,” Courtney Knichel, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs’ general manager, said in a statement.

Tragedy struck a community when a young child lost their life after a bounce house was lifted into the air by a strong gust of wind. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with inflatable play structures, particularly when weather conditions are unfavorable.

The incident occurred at a birthday party in a residential neighborhood, where a bounce house had been set up for children to enjoy. As the partygoers were playing inside the inflatable structure, a sudden and powerful gust of wind lifted the bounce house off the ground, sending it tumbling through the air. Tragically, the young child inside was unable to escape and suffered fatal injuries as a result of the fall.

This heartbreaking event highlights the importance of taking precautions when setting up and using bounce houses. Inflatable play structures should always be securely anchored to the ground with stakes or weights to prevent them from being lifted by strong winds. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor weather conditions and deflate the bounce house if winds become too strong.

Parents and caregivers should also closely supervise children while they are playing in bounce houses to ensure their safety. It is important to establish rules for safe play, such as limiting the number of children inside the structure at one time and prohibiting roughhousing or jumping near the entrance.

In the wake of this tragedy, communities are urged to take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Local authorities may consider implementing regulations or guidelines for the safe use of bounce houses at public events, such as requiring permits or inspections to ensure that inflatable structures are set up properly.

Ultimately, the loss of a young life in such a tragic accident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety when it comes to children’s play equipment. By taking precautions and being vigilant, we can help prevent future tragedies and ensure that children can enjoy inflatable play structures safely.