Summer Grant, 7, died after playing in a bounce house, which was swept away by a strong gust of wind. This incident suggests that while these play structures are intended to be safe for children, exposing it to the mercy of the elements like the wind can be dangerous, and even deadly.
The inflatable bouncy castle reportedly flew for approximately a mile before it fell back down. The British girl was rushed to the hospital but died of multiple injuries within the same day.
A 24-year-old woman and 27-year-old man were arrested for suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence. The Essex Police announced on their Facebook page that they are currently investigating the incident.
Bounce Houses Are Risky In Open Air
It is perfectly understandable when bounce houses are put outside for kids to play when birthday parties are held outdoors. However, the wind is the natural enemy of inflatables. Most accidents happen during windy or stormy days. Ted Amberg, a bounce house supplier with a company of his own told CNN that it is a good idea to get kids off the inflatable when winds are strong.
"Obviously, most parents aren't going to have a wind gauge on them, so I have an easy rule of thumb for people. ... When your pants are flapping like a flag, that is a really good, simple indicator to understand, 'Hey, the winds are picking up,' "he said.
Additionally, bounce houses should be anchored to the ground via heavy duty metal stakes and not plastic stakes as these can render the inflatables easy to be swept away. Furthermore, parents should also monitor the children using the inflatables.
UK bounce house death highlights danger of inflatable structures and wind: https://t.co/DB8v4BYCKG pic.twitter.com/ZVtZL87eEN
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) March 28, 2016
Bounce House Regulations Should Be Set
Although US states have various regulations for inflatable devices like bounce houses, there should be a standard. Atmospheric science professor John Knox of the University of Georgia says that bounce house accidents have caused 10 deaths and 271 injuries worldwide. He adds that 20 to 30 mph winds can sweep bounce houses away if they are not properly staked to the ground.
"There has been very uneven regulation of inflatable amusement devices from one state to another in the U.S.," Knox told The Washington Post. "Some states [for example, North Carolina] specify policies for anchorage of bounce houses, operator requirements, owner requirements, signage, wind speed thresholds for use, a renter clause, and so on. Other states do not have policies."
