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2 airlifted, 17 students injured in inflatable slide accident in LaGrange

LAGRANGE, Ga. — Troup County authorities are investigating what caused an inflatable slide to collapse and injure 19 students at a LaGrange school Friday afternoon.

Rosemont Elementary School officials told Channel 2 Action News a group of fifth-graders were participating in an Accelerated Reader Celebration in the gym when an inflatable slide used as a part of the festivities unexpectedly collapsed with several students on it.

In total, 19 children were injured, two airlifted to Children's at Egleston Pediatric Hospital and five transported to West Georgia Medical Center by ambulance. The five students have since been released.

Channel 2's Liz Artz learned many of the injuries were minor, including bruises.

The reason for the collapse is currently under investigation. School officials are working closely with the Troup County Sheriff’s Department to determine the cause.

“We care about our children. They are our priority, and we are deeply saddened by this unfortunate accident,” said School Superintendent Cole Pugh. “We will continue to work closely with law enforcement officials to determine the cause. Please keep our children, families, and school staff in your thoughts as we recover from this incident.”