Central Coast schoolgirl critically injured by falling branch at Government House, Canberra

The incident injured several students from the primary school tour group at Government House in Canberra, leaving one Year 6 girl fighting for her life.

A Central Coast primary schoolgirl is in critical condition after being struck by a tree branch at Government House in Canberra during a school excursion.

The group of students from Central Coast Grammar had finished a tour of the Governor-General’s residence when a tree branch fell ”in the area outside the gates” and struck several students on Wednesday.

“First aid was rendered on site by AFP officers before some students were taken, via ambulance, to the Canberra Hospital,” a spokesman from the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General said.

“The Governor-General and everyone at the Office were very concerned about the wellbeing of the injured student, remain in contact with the school, and send their best wishes for a full recovery.”

The Central Coast schoolchildren were on an excursion to Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The tree had been assessed as healthy within the past six months, as is regular protocol for trees on the grounds of Government House, the spokesman added.

An ACT Ambulance spokeswoman told the ABC when paramedics arrived they found one young person had suffered “critical injuries” while two more were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

All three were later taken to hospital.

Arrangements were made for the remaining students to return home on Thursday, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Government House regularly hosts schoolgroups and visitors at the residence. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“While on the excursion, a limb from a tree fell and struck a group of students,”

Central Coast Grammar principal Phil O’Reagan wrote in a message to parents.

“Emergency services were immediately called to the location. One student has been taken to hospital for urgent medical attention, while three others were also transported to hospital for assessment and treatment.

“In addition, two students were assessed at the scene by paramedics and returned to the group”.

The principal said the school was in contact with the affected families and counselling services provided to the remaining students.

Originally published as Central Coast schoolgirl critically injured by falling branch at Government House, Canberra