One dead and another injured by falling branch in Botanic Gardens

The woman killed when a “large” falling tree branch fell on her in Darwin’s Botanic Gardens has been identified.

The city’s Botanic Gardens was closed to the public after a “large” falling tree branch killed one person and injured another

A woman killed by a falling tree branch in Darwin’s Botanic Gardens has been identified as a South African national.

The “large” branch fell at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens at about 12.50pm on Sunday, with a nearby witness alerting emergency services.

Despite the efforts of paramedics a 28-year-old was declared dead at the scene, while a 33-year-old man, understood to be the woman’s husband, was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious injuries.

Emergency services were called to the scene just before 1pm. Picture: Facebook

NT Health reports the man remains in hospital in a stable condition.

NT Police Acting Commander Peter Kennon said the couple had only just arrived from South Africa and the South African consulate has been informed.

“There were certainly some people nearby who did witness the incident and rendered assistance immediately,” he said.

“I understand it was a confronting scene.”

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles described it as an “absolute tragedy.”

“My heart goes out to her family, her friends, to those that witnessed and responded to that accident,” Ms Fyles said.

“It has rocked our community deeply.”

All access to the Gardens, as well as the cafe and visitor information centre, were closed following the incident on Monday.

“Please avoid the area and follow the directions of emergency services,” the Gardens said in a statement.

Any witnesses to the incident have been urged to contact Northern Territory Police on 131 444.

City of Darwin council considered removing African mahoganies in the wake of Cyclone Marcus in 2018.

Originally published as One dead and another injured by falling branch in Botanic Gardens