What was supposed to be a cheerful school fundraiser ended in chaos and horror when strong winds suddenly launched a bouncy castle 40 feet into the air—while children were still inside it.
The shocking incident unfolded at Laerskool Protearif primary in Krugersdorp, South Africa, leaving parents and bystanders in disbelief.
When Playtime Turned into Panic
Parents and students had gathered for a festive day of games, stalls, and community fun.
But things took a terrifying turn when an unexpected gust of wind swept through the field.
A brightly colored inflatable castle—reportedly not anchored to the ground—suddenly shot upward into the sky.
Witnesses screamed as the bouncy castle lifted off with kids still inside.
A stunned staff member watched helplessly as two children, unable to hold on, were thrown from the airborne inflatable.
Desperate Rescue Efforts by Parents
Quick-thinking adults nearby formed a human safety net, reaching out to break the children’s fall.
Their efforts likely prevented even worse injuries, but both children were seriously hurt.
One suffered a fractured skull, the other a broken arm.
They were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.
School Responds with Gratitude and Caution
Laerskool Protearif confirmed the injuries and hospitalizations in a Facebook post, sharing that both children have now been discharged and are receiving trauma counseling.
The school thanked parents and staff for their swift action and community support.
Although the headmaster declined to speak to the press, the school stated that support has also been offered to classmates who witnessed the frightening scene.
Was the Bouncy Castle Properly Secured?
The cause of the incident is still under investigation, but footage suggests that the inflatable may not have been properly tied down.
Other structures at the event were visibly secured—but this one appeared to lack any anchoring.
One concerned parent, who shared video with local newspaper The Citizen, said it looked like the inflatable just took off “like a parachute.”
Experts agree that when not tethered, a gust of wind can easily lift an inflatable into the air—turning it into a serious hazard.
A History of Dangerous Airborne Inflatables
Sadly, this isn’t a one-off.
Accidents involving bouncy castles being lifted by wind have led to tragic outcomes around the world.
In 2021, six children were killed in Tasmania when an inflatable flew 33 feet into the air during a school celebration.
Just last year, a toddler in Arizona died in a similar incident at a house party.
Investigations and reports have shown that dozens of such accidents have happened globally, many resulting in injuries or deaths.
In several cases, operators were found guilty of negligence for failing to anchor equipment properly.
What Safety Experts Say
According to professionals in the inflatable industry, every bouncy castle is designed with secure points that must be tied down—especially during public events.
In the UK, six high-quality anchoring points are legally required.
Melissa Vere Russel of ABC Jumping Castles (a company not involved in this incident) stressed: “Failing to anchor a castle can be fatal.
They act like parachutes in strong gusts.”
Investigations Underway in Krugersdorp
The Department of Education has been called in to review what went wrong at Laerskool Protearif.
Until the investigation concludes, the school is refraining from further comment.
A spokesman confirmed that a “full and transparent” review is underway.
The Bigger Picture: Weather and Risk Management
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the school has faced extreme weather.
Back in 2017, a tornado tore the roof off the school building.
In that case, three people died across the wider Johannesburg area due to the storm.
These repeated weather-linked incidents highlight the urgent need for schools and event organizers to reassess how they handle equipment safety and emergency preparedness.
What’s Next?
For now, the two injured children are recovering and receiving care.
But the bigger concern remains: how can we ensure this doesn’t happen again? Parents, schools, and inflatable suppliers will need to work together to make sure safety protocols are more than just guidelines—they’re non-negotiable standards.
As one parent put it, “I seriously hope lessons are learned for future school fundraisers.”