**Tragic Incident at Montreal Church Festival: Three-Year-Old Girl Dies as Bouncy Castle Flies Away**
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A tragic incident in Montreal has left a community in mourning after a three-year-old girl lost her life due to severe winds that sent an inflatable bouncy castle soaring during a church event. The accident occurred at Ouellette Park during a festival organised by the Mission of Madere Dei Cristiani on Sunday, May 31. In addition to the fatality, ten others sustained injuries, leading to concerns over safety in such events.
Around 4:25 p.m., emergency services were alerted following reports that an inflatable play structure had been propelled through the air by powerful gusts of wind. Paramedics from Urgences-Santé arrived on the scene to find that a total of 11 individuals, comprising both children and adults, had been injured.
Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes as the weather changed abruptly. Rosella Peluzzo, who was attending the festival, described the sudden onset of dangerous winds. “A lot of wind came towards us; chairs started flying, tables started flying,” she relayed. Peluzzo recalled seeing the inflatable castle lift into the air, estimating it reached approximately 40 feet before soaring off the ground.
Initial reports indicated that six of the injured required hospitalization. Among the affected were four adults and two children, with attendees expressing shock and disbelief at the unfolding events. One borough worker noted that the bouncy castle initially rose to about 12 feet before crashing back down, leaving children trapped inside.
Connie Roccaro, the parish secretary for the Mission of Madere Dei Cristiani, stated that she and the parish priest were not present during the incident and therefore could not provide further comments. Echoing the sentiments of many, she highlighted the trauma experienced by witnesses at the event, emphasising their reluctance to share details in such a distressing time.
Eric Chicas, who attended the festival with his family, described the festive atmosphere that quickly turned chaotic. “Everybody was enjoying their time. It started to rain, then a big cloud came over, and all of a sudden there was a lot of wind,” he recalled, before adding that his partner and daughter were knocked to the ground by the gusts. “I saw a huge cube flying into the air… I remember thinking and hoping nobody was inside.”
Tragically, just two days after the incident, the Quebec Coroner’s office confirmed that the three-year-old girl, who had been in critical condition following the accident, had succumbed to her injuries. The office announced that Coroner Martine Lachance would be conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death. Upon completion, the coroner may issue recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, Montreal’s Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada expressed her condolences on social media. “It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of the three-year-old girl… My thoughts are with her family, her loved ones, and the entire community in mourning today,” she posted on X.
The incident raises significant questions about the safety protocols in place during outdoor events involving inflatable structures, particularly in areas where weather conditions can change rapidly. As the community processes this tragedy, many will be looking for guidance and preventive measures to ensure the protection of children and families during such gatherings in the future.
In an era where inflatable attractions are popular at celebrations and festivals, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by severe weather. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what steps local authorities will take to prevent such calamities in the future, ensuring the safety of families enjoying communal events.
While the grief over this loss permeates the community, the focus is now on support for the victims’ families and the enactment of measures that may protect against future tragedies.