3-Year-Old Dies After Bouncy Castle Is Swept Away by Winds in Montreal

A three-year-old girl has died after a bouncy castle she was playing in was swept away by strong winds during an event in Montreal’s LaSalle borough, authorities say.

A Catholic church in the borough, Missione Madre Dei Cristiani, was holding a family event at Ouellette Park at about 4:30 p.m. on May 31 when the inflatable bouncy castle was blown several metres away by strong winds.

Six people were taken to hospital, including the three-year-old girl, who was initially in critical condition and later pronounced dead in hospital.

In an email to The Epoch Times, the Quebec coroner’s office said coroner Martine Lachance had been tasked with investigating the cause and circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.

“At the conclusion of her investigation, if she deems it appropriate, the coroner may also issue recommendations,” the coroner’s office wrote. “These are preventive measures intended to protect human life and help prevent deaths in similar circumstances.”

Montreal’s emergency medical service said children as well as adults were injured at the event.

“We had a total of 11 patients. We had six transported to the hospital… four adults, and two children,” an Urgences-sante spokesperson said in an update provided to the media via video conference.

The church posted to Facebook about the incident on June 1 while the child was still in critical condition.

“Our community experienced a terrible time yesterday afternoon in the park during our annual celebration of Our Lady, Mother of Christians, due to the strong winds that tore down tents and other objects, injuring several adults and children,” it wrote. “Our deepest concern and prayers for their speedy recovery go to them. I invite all the faithful to join our hearts in prayer for the little girl in critical condition.”

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette posted to X following confirmation of the girl’s death, expressing condolences to her family.

“It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of this three-year-old girl,” she wrote. “The circumstances surrounding this tragedy, which occurred during a family gathering that brought together an entire community, make this ordeal all the more difficult to accept.”

Health Canada warns of the safety risks involving the use of bouncy castles in strong wind.

Inflatable play structures can cause injuries ranging from bruises to broken bones and head injuries, particularly when they are not properly used or secured, the agency says. Wind is a key risk factor as it can lift or tip inflatables if they are not securely anchored or if weather conditions change.

Safety guidance emphasizes that these structures must be firmly anchored to the ground and used only in appropriate weather to prevent shifting, tipping, or being carried by wind. They should also be placed on level ground away from hazards and regularly checked for stability during use.