Bounce house in River Oaks blows away, injuring 10

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Almost a dozen people were hurt when a bounce house blew away at a school fair Friday afternoon.

The inflatable had been rented for the school fair at River Oaks Baptist School in the 2300 block of Willowick Road. Emergency crews responded to what parents described as a chaotic scene.

The bounce house had been set up on the football field in front of the school when it went airborne. Children were inside and when it landed, 10 students and adults were injured. One adult was hit by a flying second grader. A student walked away with a black eye. Later the Head of School, Leanne Reynolds, notified parents about the accident in a phone message.

"At the fair this afternoon, the wind blew an inflatable bounce house that had been rented for the event. Approximately 10 people -- students and adults -- incurred non-life threatening injuries," Reynolds said. "We ask you to join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers."

Serious injuries and even death have been attributed to flying bounce houses. Some have been carried high into the air.

Emergency room physician Dr. Bill Clarke has seen many children injured from playing in them, even if they are anchored.

"The kids love them. Parents love them. From an emergency physician perspective, we don't like them," said Clarke of Elite Care Emergency Center in Rice Village.

It's unclear whether this bounce house was anchored at all.

"Our highest priority is the safety of our students and families, and we ask that you join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers," the school said in a prepared statement.