A staff Christmas party ended in tears on Saturday and four children were taken to hospital after strong winds blew a bouncy castle along the ground.
It's understood the ASB Bank in Whangarei was holding a staff Christmas function at Heritage Park, in Maunu, that was attended by staff and families, including children. There were rides and a large bouncy castle and slide set up for the children to enjoy.
Northland St John Ambulance boss Tony Devanney said a gust of wind was believed to have picked up the bouncy castle and dragged it about 20m along the ground. Three children were on the bouncy castle at the time and another child was hit by the equipment as it was blown along.
Mr Devanney said four children, aged 5 and 6, were taken to hospital, mostly with minor injuries, but there were no broken limbs or serious injuries.
He was not sure what caused the bouncy castle to be blown away from its tethers.
However, a person who was at the event told the Northern Advocate the castle/slide was secured to the ground by "electric fence stakes".
The person said several parents and children at the event were upset after the incident, which had happened shortly after lunch.