Two people were taken to hospital and others were treated at the scene after high winds blew away an inflatable slide being used by several children at Cupar gala on Saturday afternoon.
Onlookers watched in horror as the giant inflatable tore from the ground and somersaulted 100 metres across Duffus Park.
Several children were thrown from the attraction and other onlookers were knocked to the ground around the arena, with some sustaining neck and head injuries.
One young Cupar girl was thrown against a funfair ride and suffered a head injury. Another nine-year-old boy was winded when the slide operative was thrown to the ground on top of him.Cancer battler Summer was injured at Cupar children’s gala accident so let’s put the smile back on her faceThe by now empty inflatable somersaulted and came to rest after smashing against trees, breaking several branches.
Police said most of the casualties were treated for minor injuries at the scene, but a child and adult were taken to hospital.
A spokeswoman said: “Police in Fife are attending an incident in Cupar after one adult and four children the youngest being six years old were injured on an inflatable slide.
“The incident happened at a fete in Duffus Park around 2.15pm this afternoon when the inflatable was blown around 150 yards into the crowd.Mum describes frightening moment for children“Most of the injuries are minor and are being treated at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service. One child and the adult have been taken to hospital for further tests.”
The event’s organising committee said “every safety precaution was risk assessed” but that a full investigation will be carried out.’Risk assessed’A spokesman said: “Every safety precaution was risk assessed and fulfilled by the committee and service providers prior to the gala commencing and during the event.
“Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions, outwith our control, an emergency situation did occur.
“The incident is currently being investigated and any findings will be announced once available.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed two people had been taken to hospital.
The fire service said it was alerted to the drama at 2.16pm by colleagues who were attending the gala.
Crews gave first aid and provided casualty care on the scene to around six children and nine adults.
As gusts continued, shaken organisers put out a message over the Tannoy announcing the gala was being abandoned.
Several young children who were uninjured but shaken were in tears afterwards.
It’s understood gala organisers had considered abandoning the gala due to high winds at 10.30 this morning but decided to go ahead.Events cancelledMany events elsewhere had been cancelled or cut back because of the weather.
The annual North Glenrothes Community Council fun day at Gilvenbank Park had to be cancelled as the fairground were unable to erect their equipment in the fierce wind.
A day of sports activities planned for Dundee’s City Square was called off because of the wind.
The decision was also taken on Friday to postpone work on the Forth Road Bridge due to the deteriorating weather condition.Many stallholders did not turn up at Cupar due to the conditions.Today’s gala was preceded by the annual float parade.
The popular event which relies on volunteers is a fixture of the Cupar summer calendar.
For more on this story, see Monday’s Courier.