A tragic incident unfolded at a minor league baseball game in Maryland on Friday when a bounce house became airborne, driven by strong winds. Sadly, reports confirm that a 5-year-old child inside the bounce house lost their life.
The child, hailing from La Plata, Maryland, was confirmed dead in multiple sources on Saturday.
According to NBC Washington, citing Charles County Emergency Medical Services, another child was airlifted to a hospital but was reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
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Charles County, home to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, confirmed the child’s death in a press release:
On August 2 at approximately 9:21 p.m., Charles County 9-1-1 received notification from Regency Furniture Stadium that a bounce house was blown into the air while children were still inside. It reportedly ascended about 15 to 20 feet before crashing back onto the field during an ongoing game.
EMS personnel, already present at the game, along with team trainers and volunteer responders, provided immediate assistance to the injured children.
Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq., President of the Charles County Government, expressed condolences in the press release: “We extend our deepest empathy to the children and their families during this difficult time. Our gratitude goes to our EMS team and the Maryland State Police for their prompt response.”
Courtney Knichel, General Manager of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, echoed these sentiments in her own statement.
“Our organization is heartbroken over the loss of a child, and we are equally concerned for the injured child,” she stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.”
As a result, the Blue Crabs canceled the game along with all baseball-related events scheduled for Saturday. The team is also providing counseling and support resources for families, players, and fans in attendance.
Witnesses told NBC Washington that the bounce house was secured with stakes, but it remains unclear how the wind was able to lift it off the ground.
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are part of the Independent Atlantic League, a regional league affiliated with Major League Baseball.