Bounce House Incident Was 'Freak Act of Nature'

ByEMILY SHAPIRO ABCNews logo
Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Fort Lauderdale City Manager called Memorial Day's beach bounce house incident "a freak act of nature that no one could have prepared for or predicted."

"The change in weather was sudden and severe," the statement from City Manager Lee Feldman said. "An intense water spout came ashore rapidly and without warning bringing forceful winds that meteorologists have estimated were between 65 and 85 miles per hour. Its powerful unpredictable path knocked down street lights and destroyed a cement basketball support structure."

After a waterspout came ashore on the Florida beach, it hit an inflated bouncy castle, tossing it into the air and injuring three children.

The video, provided to ABC News by Brandon Burchett, shows the swirling column of wind and ocean water head straight towards the amusement ride. The bouncy castle then got caught in the wind and flipped over repeatedly before it was swept even further up in the air.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department said three children, whose identities would not be released, were injured. One was held overnight for observation and two were treated for minor fractures and released, police said.

Feldman's statement added: "Under the circumstances, our Police, Public Safety and Fire-Rescue personal responded quickly and appropriately to minimize injuries and damage. While our thoughts and prayers remain with the injured children and their families for a speedy recovery, we are grateful that this act of god did not cause any more serious harm given the large number of people who were enjoying the beach on Memorial Day."

The city said it has already put the bounce house vendor, All Star Events, on notice of their responsibility as "we continue to investigate the incident."

All Star Events declined to comment to ABC News.

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