Montreal, Canada — Parents at a family-friendly church festival watched in horror as a sudden violent thunderstorm unleashed powerful winds that lifted a bounce house filled with children into the air, sending one three-year-old girl into critical condition.
The incident occurred around 4:25 p.m. on Sunday at Ouellette Park in Montreal’s LaSalle borough during the annual church festival organized by the Mission of Madre Dei Cristiani. Strong wind gusts associated with severe thunderstorms turned a joyful afternoon into chaos, launching not only the inflatable bounce house but also chairs, tables, and vendor tents across the park.
According to Urgences-Santé, Montreal’s emergency medical service, first responders evaluated 11 people at the scene and transported six to hospital. Among the injured were four adults and two children. One of the children — a three-year-old girl — was left in critical condition after the bounce house was swept into the air.
Officials believe the inflatable structure was lifted approximately 12 feet off the ground. Witnesses, however, described the event even more dramatically, estimating that the bounce house reached heights of up to 40 feet, spinning in the air before crashing back down.
Rosella Peluzzo, who was at the park, recounted the terrifying moment: “All of a sudden, we see this dark cloud coming towards us. A lot of wind came towards here, chairs started flying, tables started flying. I see the inflated house, and it went up high, at least 40 feet, I would say. It was just turning up in the air.”
Peluzzo said that once the bounce house landed, parents rushed desperately to free the children trapped inside. “I saw fear in their face, taking their children and running,” she told CTV News.
Eric Chicas, who attended the event with his girlfriend and daughter, described how quickly conditions deteriorated. “Everybody was enjoying their time. It started to rain, then a big cloud came over and all of a sudden there was a lot of wind. In an instant there was a huge gust.”
Chicas added that he witnessed the bounce house — which he described as a “huge cube” — fly into the air at least 40 feet high, roughly level with nearby buildings. “I remember thinking and hoping nobody was inside.” He also reported seeing elderly people lying flat on the ground for safety as the chaos unfolded.
The rapid escalation of the storm caught attendees off guard. What began as a pleasant community gathering quickly turned dangerous as winds intensified without significant warning.
LaSalle Mayor Nancy Blanchet expressed deep sadness over the tragedy. “My heart goes out to the families, loved ones, and everyone affected, directly or indirectly, by this terrible event,” she said. The mayor thanked emergency services and first responders for their swift action and stated that authorities would consult with all relevant stakeholders to understand the full circumstances of the incident.
Rev. Mussie Zerai Yosief, pastor of the Mission of Madre Dei Cristiani, offered prayers for the injured child. “Our deepest concern and prayers for their speedy recovery go to them. I invite all the faithful to join our hearts in prayer for the little girl in critical condition.”
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable power of severe weather, even during what are typically safe, family-oriented outdoor events. As the affected families continue to deal with the aftermath, the community is rallying in support while officials review safety protocols for future public gatherings in the area.