A three-year-old child is fighting for life in Canada after a severe thunderstorm hurled an inflatable house into the air, trapping several children inside. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in Ouellette Park, LaSalle, a borough of Greater Montreal.
Storm Chaos and Rescue Efforts
The violent weather swept through the area, sending the inflatable structure flying before it crashed to the ground. Paramedics assessed 11 individuals, with six transported to hospital, including four adults and two children, according to CTV News.
Witness Rosella Peluzzo described the terrifying scene: "All of a sudden, we see this dark cloud coming towards us. 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."
A borough worker estimated the inflatable rose about 12 feet before slamming down. Peluzzo noted that people rushed to help the trapped children after the bounce house landed, adding, "They were hurt, and I know that they were all sent to the Children's Hospital."
Official Response
LaSalle Mayor Nancy Blanchet expressed deep sadness over the accident, which occurred during a family gathering. "My heart goes out to the families, loved ones, and everyone affected. Our entire community is deeply shaken by this serious accident," she said, pledging support and a review of safety measures.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Montreal that weekend, cautioning of strong wind gusts, hail, and heavy rain, urging people to take cover from flying debris.
The tragedy unfolded just before Canada's hurricane season begins, with ECCC forecasting eight to 14 named storms and three to six hurricanes this year.
