School's Inflatable Castle Blown Into Air; 2 Children Dead, Several Critically Injured

Two children have died and several others are in critical condition after wind blew an inflatable castle into the air at a primary school in Tasmania, Australia, this week, authorities said.

A "wind event" caused the bouncy castle at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport to be lifted into the air Thursday morning, resulting in several children falling from a height of about 10 meters (39 feet), local media outlet ABC reported, citing a statement released by Tasmanian police.

The children received medical treatment at the scene as well as in hospitals, police said.

Commander Debbie Williams later confirmed that two of the children died in the accident, which occurred as the school was holding its end-of-year "Big Day In" celebration.

"This is a very tragic event and our thoughts are with the families and the wider school community, and also our first responders. There is no doubt that this has been a very confronting and distressing scene," Williams said.

Counselling has been made available to the families affected by the incident as well as first responders, according to Williams.

It is unclear how many children in total were involved. Authorities also did not release any further details regarding the deaths or injuries due to privacy reasons, but they were scheduled to hold a press conference in Devonport Thursday afternoon.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the fatal accident as "shattering," News.com.au reported.

"It is just unthinkably heartbreaking. Young children on a fun day out, together with their families and it turns to such a horrific tragedy, at this time of year, it just breaks your heart," Morrison said.

Morrison has reportedly spoken with Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein and promised to provide any necessary support.

Gutwein, for his part, addressed the accident during a media conference Thursday morning, acknowledging that “serious injuries” were involved and promising to provide further information about it once it is made available.

Following the fatal accident, Hillcrest Primary School asked parents via social media to collect their children "as a matter of urgency" and closed the school for the rest of the day.

People have been urged to avoid the area.