Racegoers injured in freak tree fall at Flemington

A falling tree that collapsed on four punters sounded like a gunshot, with witnesses fearing the worst at Flemington Racecourse.

The Australian Guineas, which were won by John Allen riding Hitotsu, were marred after punters were injured by a faling tree. Picture: Getty Images

Witnesses have described the horror aftermath of a tree fall at Flemington Racecourse that left a woman fighting for life.

New photos show thick branches that collapsed over parked cars about 6.30pm Saturday, hitting four people and multiple vehicles.

Bookmaker Jonathan Walsh said he initially thought there had been a shooting and feared those trapped beneath the branches were dead.

“It sounded like a gunshot and patrons came from everywhere to help the injured at Flemington after the last,” he wrote on Twitter.

“The injured were all conscious but it looked very bad early … (I) initially thought they were dead.”

Another witness, Scott Harty, said people scrambled for safety away from the tree.

“Very scary end to the day. Was so loud, I thought a temporary grandstand or something had fallen down and then looked over and saw the tree and everyone running,” he wrote.

A large branch fell off this eucalyptus tree, crushing people and cars. Picture: Twitter

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said a woman in her 30s was taken to The Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition with a head injury, where she remains in a serious condition.

Three other people suffered upper body injuries and were also taken to hospital, each in serious but stable conditions.

A man in his 60s and a woman in her 70s are recovering at The Alfred hospital, while a woman in her 60s is recovering at St Vincent’s Hospital.

Another man suffered a back injury while assisting the victims.

The Victoria Racing Club earlier said its thoughts were with those injured and their families.

A VRC spokeswoman said Worksafe attended the racecourse following Saturday night’s incident, and would conduct “a comprehensive investigation”, including a thorough examination of the tree.

“The VRC is offering its full assistance to WorkSafe in its investigation,” the spokeswoman said.

“Our priority remains those injured and their families... the club has reached out to the families of those injured yesterday to convey our support and offer our ongoing assistance.”