Little girl dies after inflatable castle flies during severe thunderstorm

The three-year-old girl trapped inside an inflatable castle as it flew away during a severe thunderstorm in Montreal on Sunday has died, confirmed Quebec’s Coroner’s Office.

“Coroner Martine Lachance has been appointed to conduct an investigation to shed light on the causes and circumstances surrounding the death,” the Coroner’s Office said.

“Upon completion of her investigation, if she deems it appropriate, the coroner may also issue recommendations. These are preventive measures aimed at protecting human life and preventing deaths in similar circumstances.”

The department went on to extend its “deepest condolences to the family and all those affected.”

The toddler was critically injured after the inflatable play structure she was in blew away during festivities organized by the Madredei Cristiani Church in Ouellette Park in Montreal’s LaSalle borough.

“All of a sudden, we see this dark cloud coming towards us,” said Rosella Peluzzo, who attended the event. “A lot of wind came towards here, chairs started flying, tables started flying. I see the inflated house, and it went up high, at least 40 feet, I would say. It was just turning up in the air.”

• Death of 3-year-old in Montreal bouncy castle echoes past tragedies around the world

A borough worker later told CTV News that officials believe the castle flew an estimated 12 feet in the air.

Urgences-Santé confirmed it received a 911 call at 4:25 p.m. and treated 11 people onsite.

Four adults and two children, including the young girl, were sent to hospital.

LaSalle Mayor Nancy Blanchet expressed her condolences upon hearing the news on Monday, adding that authorities were working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and “any necessary measures will be considered.”

“Our entire community is deeply shaken by this serious accident,” she said. “Please know that the safety of the public, particularly that of children, remains a priority.”

Tuesday, Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada took to social media to express her condolences upon hearing of the young girl’s death.

“It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of the three-year-old girl who was seriously injured in the accident involving inflatable games on Sunday,” she wrote. “My thoughts are with her family, her loved ones, and the entire community in mourning today following this tragedy.”