7 hospitalized after tree falls on family at San Antonio Zoo
Content warning: This story contains descriptions of graphic moments following the tree’s collapse.
Seven people were hospitalized after a tree limb fell on a family at the San Antonio Zoo in the afternoon of Wednesday, March 15, according to the San Antonio Fire Department. Officials said one of the patients was in critical condition.
The SAFD said the incident occurred just after noon at the zoo located at 3903 N. St Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212. The fire department said one of the patients was priority one, while the others were taken to the hospital out of precaution.
Hope Roth, vice president of marketing at the Zoo, said a large part of a cedar elm tree “unexpectedly broke and fell” on the guests. She called the incident an “unfortunate accident.” The zoo is still open and only the area where the tree limb fell is closed, Roth said.
Visitor Brandy Lorraine said she was at the zoo with her 9-year-old daughter when the incident occurred near the zoo’s carousel. She said she was sitting on a bench right next to the tree when she heard the cracking of the limb. Lorraine said a large part of the tree fell on top of the benches where people were sitting.
“It was a freak accident. It was so scary,” Lorraine said. “I saw a woman running for help with blood on her hands. I heard people screaming. I just hope everyone is OK. Thinking about it now is even scarier because any little detour could have put us in that spot.”
The zoo’s security treated the guests, followed by San Antonio Park Police, the San Antonio Police Department and the San Antonio Fire Department.
Officials have not released details on the injuries.
Check back for updates.
Please be advised the video contains graphic language and moments following the tree’s collapse.
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