Ava Ciampini's Death Exposes Quebec Bouncy Castle Rule Gap After 50 km/h Gusts
Updated
Updated · CBC Sports · Jun 4
Ava Ciampini's Death Exposes Quebec Bouncy Castle Rule Gap After 50 km/h Gusts
3 articles · Updated · CBC Sports · Jun 4
Summary
Quebec has no rules governing rented inflatable games, even after 3-year-old Ava Ciampini died when a bouncy castle in Montreal's LaSalle borough was blown away Sunday, injuring 11 people.
50 km/h gusts were reported around the incident, and wind-hazard researcher John Knox said inflatables can lift off in winds as low as 32 to 40 km/h if poorly anchored.
565 injury cases tied to commercial bouncy castles were recorded in Canada since 2020; 7% involved traumatic brain injuries and about half resulted in fractures, according to Health Canada data cited by CBC.
Quebec's building authority regulates amusement rides but exempts inflatables, while rules elsewhere remain patchy; Nevada's Lizzy's Law requires anchoring, inspections and shutdowns when gusts exceed 24 km/h.
Montreal police and coroner Martine Lachance are investigating Ciampini's death, and the coroner could later recommend measures to prevent similar fatalities.