A large tree branch fell at Tao Dan Park in downtown Ho Chi Minh City on Friday morning, leaving two people dead and three others wounded.

The branch came plummeting down right where a group of residents were doing exercise at around 6:30 am the same day, claiming two lives and injuring three others.

The fallen tree limb was hollow inside and measured 10 meters long. The branch fell approximately 20 meters.

The fallen tree branch is hollow inside. Photo: Tuoi Tre contributor

A representative of the 115 Emergency Center in the city told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the center had sent a report about the incident to the municipal Department of Health.

Among the five victims, two reportedly died at the scene, while the other three were rushed to the Saigon General Hospital and the 115 People's Hospital for emergency operations.

The Saigon General Hospital admitted one female patient, 67.

After her health was checked, she was diagnosed with minor injuries.

The two other injured victims, aged 62 and 69, were admitted to the 115 People’s Hospital – one with a cracked skull and the other with a spinal fracture.

Competent forces cordon off Tao Dan Park in downtown Ho Chi Minh City to handle the deadly incident caused by a fallen branch on August 9, 2024. Photo: Dinh Khai / Tuoi Tre

An otherwise healthy tree

“My grandchild and I were walking in the park around 6:00 am when I heard a loud sound,” said Do Thi Thu, a 61-year-old resident in Ho Chi Minh City.

“I ran to see what happened and saw the fallen branch. There was no wind and rain, so I did not know why the tree limb fell,” she explained.

Dao Huyen, 50, the owner of a fashion shop near the park, shared that she visits the park every morning for outdoor exercise next to the tree whose branch fell and caused the deaths.

“I usually do exercise until 7:00 am, but today I left at 6:30 am to go to the market,” she said.

“As soon as I arrived at my home, I heard a loud sound, and saw lots of people running into the park. I followed them and saw several people lying on the ground,” she recounted.

“The branch was still fresh and healthy, so no one knows why it broke and fell,” she shared.

According to state-owned Ho Chi Minh City Greenery Parks Co. Ltd., the tree was a dipterocarpus.

The two deceased victims were identified as N.D.L., 70, a resident of District 1, and T.C.T., a 62-year-old man from District 1.

Doctors at the Saigon General Hospital check the health of a victim of a fallen branch at Tao Dan Park. Photo: Supplied

Two victims injured by a fallen tree limb at Tao Dan Park are receiving treatment at the 115 People’s Hospital. Photo: Supplied

A bird’s-eye view of Tao Dan Park in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre

Following the fatal incident, Phan Van Mai, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, directed the municipal Department of Construction to work with the Department of Health, the Department of Labor, Invalid and Social Affairs and the administration of District 1 to send condolences to the family of the two dead people, as well as support them and the injured.

The municipal Department of Construction was told to clarify the cause of the tragedy and determine the possible involvement of individuals and organizations in the incident.

Besides, Chairman Mai ordered the department and the administrations of the city’s districts and Thu Duc City to conduct a general check on the safety of all trees at public places citywide.

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