Seven-year-old footballer dies in tragic Belgium bouncy castle accident
A seven-year-old boy has died from injuries sustained after a bouncy castle was blown into a fence during a youth football tournament in Belgium.
Jean Kylian Essombe was attending the Youth Cup in Hamme on Saturday to watch his older brother represent SK Wambeek-Ternat’s under-10 side.
The aspiring footballer had competed for the same club in a younger age bracket earlier in the day.
A sudden gust of wind lifted an inflatable structure into the air while the youngster was playing on it.
Authorities launch safety investigation
The boy reportedly collided with a nearby fence and suffered severe trauma as a result of the airborne incident.
Emergency responders treated him at the scene before transferring the child to medical facilities in Sint-Blasius and Ghent.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he tragically passed away several hours later.
Three other children were injured during the incident and subsequently transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
Football community pays tribute
Authorities in East Flanders have opened a formal investigation to determine whether the inflatable was correctly secured and safety protocols were followed.
SK Wambeek-Ternat released a heartfelt statement describing the departed youth as a talented player and a wonderful friend.
“It is hard to comprehend that someone so young and full of life has left us,” the club stated.
Club chairman Jos Donvil emphasised that their primary focus is now on supporting the grieving family and coaching staff.
Tournament observes minute’s silence
“His brother, who also plays with us, has lost his playmate,” Donvil added.
Peter De Vylder, general manager of host club Vigor Wuitens Hamme, expressed his profound dismay over the fatal incident.
“You hope as a club that something like this never happens to you,” said De Vylder.
The weekend tournament proceeded on Sunday, with all participating players wearing black armbands to observe a minute’s silence.
Primary school officials in Liedekerke have also arranged dedicated grief support for their pupils and staff members.