U.S. safety authorities and law enforcement have initiated an inquiry following a tragic incident in Waldorf, Maryland, on August 2, which resulted in the death of a 5-year-old boy and left another child injured after a bounce house was lifted into the air during a baseball game.
Strong wind gusts caused the bounce house to ascend approximately 15 to 20 feet above the ground, leading to children falling out before it settled on the field at Regency Furniture Stadium, as reported by Charles County officials in a press release.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, who were present at the game, along with trainers from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs baseball team and volunteer first responders, promptly began providing care for the two children within minutes of the incident.
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Maryland State Police transported one 5-year-old boy to a children’s hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The second child reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office has stated that it has no additional updates and is unable to reveal the status of the injured child’s recovery.
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs canceled their games for the weekend after a child was killed when a bounce house went airborne Friday night. (Marie Ragano /TMX)
“We extend our sincerest condolences to the children and their families during this challenging time. We are grateful to our EMS team and the Maryland State Police for their rapid response to ensure the children received immediate medical attention,” stated Charles County Government Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq. in the release.
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The team called off all scheduled baseball games and activities for the following day, according to officials, and provided counseling and support for families, players, and fans who were present at the event.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) have both confirmed to Fox News Digital that an investigation is ongoing. Officials are collaborating with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office on this matter.
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Both the CPSC and the MOSH refrained from further comments regarding the incident as their investigation continues.
A child was killed and several others were injured after a gust of air sent a bounce house up to 20 feet in the air with children still inside. The incident occurred at a baseball game in Waldorf, Maryland. (Marie Ragano /TMX)
This incident is not isolated, as there have been other bounce house-related accidents in recent months.
In May, a 2-year-old child lost their life and another was injured when a bounce house was caught by wind in Casa Grande, Arizona.
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Additionally, in November, a 4-year-old boy tragically died due to a bounce house strangulation, as per the CPSC.
Since the year 2000, there have been at least 479 injuries and 28 fatalities due to wind-related bounce house incidents globally, according to a report from the University of Georgia.
“These injuries are on top of an estimated 10,000 ER visits in the U.S. each year from bounce house-related accidents, which often result in broken bones, muscle sprains, and concussions,” notes the report.
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital estimates that injuries associated with inflatable bouncers treated in hospital emergency departments in the U.S. have exceeded 20 children a day over the past 20 years. (Marie Ragano/TMX)
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital, based in Columbus, Ohio, estimates that injuries related to inflatable bouncers seen in emergency departments across the U.S. have been more than 20 children per day in the past two decades.
CPSC’s latest tips on bounce house safety:
– Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper setup.
– Ensure the bounce house is securely staked and anchored on a flat, stable surface.
– Avoid placing bounce houses near tree branches, power lines, or fences.
– Allow only children of similar age and size to jump simultaneously. Always adhere to the maximum occupancy limit.
– Instruct children to play safely by refraining from tumbling, wrestling, or performing flips.
– Keep children away from gas generators or air pumps, particularly near standing water.
– Adult supervision is crucial, whether by a responsible party or staff from the company operating the bounce house.
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Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price contributed to this report.
