A seven-year-old boy has tragically died after a gust of wind lifted a bouncy castle high into the air at a football tournament in Belgium. The incident occurred on May 9 at the Youth Cup tournament in Hamme, a municipality in East Flanders.
The Incident
Jean Kylian Essombe was playing on the inflatable attraction with his friends when a sudden wind gust blew it into the air. The young boy reportedly fell against a fence and suffered life-threatening injuries. Emergency crews treated him at the scene before transporting him first to AZ Sint-Blasius hospital and then to UZ Gent hospital. He later died from his injuries while under medical care. Three other children were also injured and taken to hospital for checks.
Investigation Launched
East Flanders prosecutors have opened an investigation into how the accident happened. Officials are examining whether the bouncy castle had been properly anchored and whether safety rules were followed. A court-appointed expert was sent to the scene.
Tributes and Support
Jean's primary school in Liedekerke said its staff and pupils were mourning the young boy's death, adding that support had been arranged. The school stated: "Within our school, this loss is deeply felt. Teachers will make room for conversation and processing. In these difficult moments, we want as a school to focus on connection, care and closeness."
SK Wambeek-Ternat, the club Jean's brother Louis played for, paid tribute: "With deep sadness, we learned the news about Jean. It is hard to comprehend that someone so young and full of life has left us. Jeanke was not only a talented player, but above all a wonderful friend, always full of enthusiasm and with a smile on his face. We will never forget the joy he shared. Our thoughts are with his parents, his brother Louis, his family and friends at this difficult time."
VW Hamme, which hosted the tournament, said the tragedy had overshadowed what should have been a major day for the club. The club expressed: "Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and team of our friend who fought so hard." Peter De Vylder, general manager of VW Hamme, noted that emergency services were already present and parents with medical backgrounds also helped immediately. He added: "You hope as a club that something like this never happens to you."
Club Responses
VW Hamme has suspended all youth activities for the coming week. KFC Wambeek-Ternat, which has around 600 players, also cancelled club activities over the weekend as it organised support for children, parents, trainers and Jean's family. Club chairman Jos Donvil said: "It was a tragic accident. We now have only one task, and that is to give the right support to the parents, trainers and family. His brother, who also plays with us, has lost his playmate."
Hamme mayor Lotte Peeters confirmed that other children on the bouncy castle had gone to hospital with their parents for minor injuries. The Youth Cup matches continued on Sunday in a subdued atmosphere, with players wearing black armbands and a minute's silence held in Jean's memory. Football Flanders said it was offering psychological support to the clubs involved through trauma specialists.
