(Scypre.com) – In a devastating incident in Maryland, a 5-year-old boy lost his life after a bounce house, filled with children, went airborne and subsequently crashed onto a baseball field on Friday. This tragic event unfolded during a Southern Maryland Blue Crabs game in Waldorf, Charles County, as reported by authorities on Saturday.
The inflatable structure was lifted by a sudden gust of wind, propelling it 15 to 20 feet into the air before it plummeted onto the field. Children inside the bounce house fell during the flight, leading to the fatality and injuries. Emergency responders and team trainers, who were already present at the game, quickly attended to the affected children.
The young boy, hailing from La Plata, was urgently airlifted to a children’s hospital via a state police helicopter but was later pronounced dead. Another child also required airlifting to a hospital, though their injuries were not deemed life-threatening.
The Charles County emergency services team received the distress call at 9:21 p.m. and were already on-site, allowing for immediate response alongside volunteer first responders.
In a heartfelt statement, Charles County Commissioner President Reuben Collins expressed deep sympathy for the affected families. “We extend our deepest empathy to the children and their families during this difficult time. We thank our EMS team and the Maryland State Police for their swift actions to ensure the children received immediate care.”
The bounce house, intended to entertain children at Regency Furniture Stadium, where the Blue Crabs were playing, was reportedly secured with stakes driven into the ground. Despite this, the wind gust managed to lift it over a wall and onto the field.
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs’ general manager, Courtney Knichel, conveyed the team’s condolences, stating, “We share 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.” In light of the incident, the team, which is part of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, canceled all activities, including a Saturday-night game, and is providing support to families, players, and fans affected by the tragedy.
La Plata, the boy’s hometown, is a small community of around 10,000 people, located approximately 70 miles southwest of Baltimore. This incident has cast a somber shadow over the town and the wider community.