A young boy in Belgium was the victim of a freak accident that led to his death. Jean Kylian Essombe was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. He had played in a soccer tournament in the morning and decided to enjoy playing in the bounce house while his brother participated in the tournament later in the day. No one could have anticipated that the boy would lose his life. Bounce houses are so much fun, but they are also surprisingly dangerous. If they are not properly secured, anything could happen.
Currently, an investigation has begun into whether the bounce house the boy played in was secured properly and if that could have contributed to his death.
No one could have anticipated such an incident.
Jean, 7, was at a soccer tournament with his team, SK Wambeek-Ternat, on May 9, 2026, when the incident took place, according to Het Laatste Nieuws. A bounce house that several kids were playing in suddenly flew into the air.
The boy hit a fence, resulting in life-threatening injuries, the outlet reported. He died at the hospital, and three other children were injured.
According to Gazet van Antwerpen, the boy was at the event supporting his brother when the incident happened around 2 p.m.
The public prosecutors said the bounce house was blown by a gust of wind, which caused it to go into the air, according to Gazet van Antwerpen. An investigation into how securely it was fastened down is underway.
“It was a tragic accident. From what I have heard, the bouncy castle reportedly hit a pole due to a gust of wind, although I do not have complete certainty about that yet,” the chairman of SK Wambeek-Ternat, Jos Donvil, told Het Laatste Nieuws in an English translation of the story.
An investigation is currently active.
Mayor Lotte Peeters spoke with Het Laatste Nieuws, telling them three children were injured in addition to Jean.
“There were other children on the bouncy castle and they drove to the hospital on their own with their parents for smaller injuries. We have not heard of that anymore, so we assume that their injuries are limited,” Peeters said. “It has to be investigated who bears the responsibility and whether mistakes have been made,” she shared, adding she couldn’t make any more statements during an active investigation.
The soccer teams released statements about Jean.
“We have heard the news about Jean (U8) with deep sadness. It’s hard to comprehend that someone has left us so young and full of life,” the statement read. “Jeanke was not only a talented player, but above all also a great friend, always full of enthusiasm and with a smile on his face. The joy he shared, we will never forget. Our thoughts are with the parents, his brother Louis (U10), family and friends during this difficult time.”
VW Hamme, the soccer club hosting the event, also shared a statement about the boy’s death. “What should have been a momentous day at our club has unfortunately been completely overshadowed by a tragic accident. We have full confidence in the ongoing investigation,” the club’s post reads.
James Essombe, Jean’s father, spoke out about his son’s death.
“I saw my son lying on the floor and all he could say was ‘Daddy, I have a stomachache’. A little later, his eyes turned away,” the Het Laatste Nieuws reported. “I don’t know how we’re going to overcome this.”
