Two people sustained minor injuries after a powerful wind gust flipped over a large inflatable bouncy castle in Scarborough on Canada Day. The incident occurred at the Bridlewood Mall parking lot, near Warden Avenue and Finch Avenue East, just before 6 p.m.
Details of the Incident
A Toronto Police spokesperson confirmed that officers responded to a medical call at the scene. Reports indicated that the inflatable structure, known as The Royal Duck, had been lifted and overturned by a sudden burst of strong winds. The two injured individuals were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Ontario's Ministry of Labour was notified and has taken over the investigation. A ministry spokesperson stated, "An inspector attended the scene on Wednesday. As the investigation is ongoing, no further details are available at this time."
The World's Largest Travelling Bounce Park
The Royal Duck is promoted as the world's largest travelling bounce park, measuring over 22,000 square feet (more than 6,700 square metres). It had been set up in the mall parking lot in early June and was scheduled to remain there until Sunday, according to the company's website. The company noted that the outdoor attraction closes during bad weather, but the short burst of strong winds was enough to cause damage.
Images shared on social media show the deflated structure lying on the pavement, with a knocked-over light post and steel crowd-control barriers scattered around. Noah Pappert posted on Instagram, "A short storm burst has taken out one of the world's largest bouncy castles. A massive wind gust took it out right from its anchors." Tiana Nguyen, who was at the mall for dinner, shared a photo on Facebook showing the chaotic scene, including a damaged vehicle.
Recent Similar Incident in Montreal
This incident follows a similar tragedy in Montreal on May 31, where a three-year-old girl, Ava Ciampini, was critically injured after strong winds blew a bouncy castle high into the air. She later died from her injuries. The Quebec coroner's office confirmed her death, noting that 11 people were injured when winds disrupted a church-organized festival at a LaSalle park. A family friend launched an online fundraiser that raised over $484,000 for funeral and memorial expenses.
