Woman remains in hospital after being struck by falling tree branch near Shrine of Remembrance

The Alfred hospital has provided an update on two of its patients who suffered serious injuries after being struck by a heavy tree branch near the Shrine of Remembrance on Tuesday.

A large tree branch has fallen on top of a group of pedestrians near The Shrine of Remembrance, badly injuring two people. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Pedestrians who were struck by a falling tree branch outside the Shrine of Remembrance on Tuesday are slowly recovering from the horror incident.

A 57-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man were rushed to hospital after a seven-metre long branch fell off a tree near St Kilda Rd at 1.20pm on Tuesday, just hours out from New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Botanic Gardens.

An Alfred Hospital spokeswoman confirmed the 57-year-old Sydney woman struck by the branch was now in a stable condition, while the 21-year-old man had been discharged.

The woman was believed to have suffered serious upper body injuries, while the man lower-body injuries.

Another pedestrian — a 56-year-old man — was “lucky” to escape with only a few scratches, according to a Victoria Police spokeswoman.

A family, including young children, were also seconds away from being collected by the colossal branch.

The site where pedestrians were hit by a falling branch. Picture: Wayne Taylor

A family with young children was seconds from also being struck by the branch. Picture: Supplied

In the wake of the incident, the Shrine of Remembrance issued a statement thanking emergency services for their rapid response in helping the pedestrians.

“Our thoughts are with those injured and we wish them a full and speedy recovery,” the statement read.

The area around the gumtree remains cordoned off while an arborist assesses the scene, with visitors to the Shrine unable to use the stairs from St Kilda Rd.

Veterans minister Natalie Suleyman also took to social media to offer her thoughts for those injured by the seven metre-long branch.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been injured and their loved ones and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.,” Ms Suleyman said.

The site near the Shrine where the branch fell on three people. Picture: Diego Fedele

A Victoria Police spokesman said officers understood the group was leaving the Shrine and walking down the steps towards St Kilda Rd when the branch fell on them.

The area was cordoned off for the tree to be assessed by an arborist before council attended for further investigation on Tuesday.

The tree branch was cleared from the scene just after 3pm.

Blood splatter remained on the steps after the incident.

Police wait for rangers to clear the branch. Picture: Diego Fedele

One of the first people on scene on Tuesday, Slavka Simic, 55, said she saw the woman’s head being bandaged up by paramedics as she crossed St Kilda Rd.

“We just noticed a lot of shrubbery and then the ambulance was there … I knew right away there’s been people hurt,” Ms Simic said.

She said staff members from the Shrine ran down the hill to assist the trio.

“I noticed that the stump (of the branch) was really big and there were two people lying down getting assistance from the ambos,” she said.

Ms Simic said there was seemingly no gust of wind preceding the branch falling.

“She is really lucky that the stump didn’t hit her or I don’t think she’d be with us now,” she said of the woman who was injured.

The tree from which the branch fell. Picture: Fergus Ellis

Another witness, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Herald Sun he was seconds away from also being trapped under the branch himself before he heard a “tremendous” crack behind him.

“I just heard the tremendous noise … obviously I look around and saw a young lad trapped under the branch, his leg was underneath,” he said.

“I saw this woman holding her head as blood poured out.”

The man said he waited alongside the pair until the ambulances arrived, adding the woman was particularly in distress.

He speculated the 21-year-old may have broken his leg as a result of the fallen branch.

It is understood a family, with young children, also narrowly avoided disaster as they were coming up the stairs towards the Shrine.

The Shrine is set to be packed for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Picture: Wayne Taylor

An SES spokesman said members were required to help cut down the size of the branch which was estimated to be seven metres in length.

City of Melbourne council officers responded to the fallen gum tree near the Shrine of Remembrance.

“Our thoughts are with those injured and their loved ones,’’ a council statement said.

“The surrounding area has been cordoned off and tree maintenance workers are currently attending the site to assess the tree.

“The nearby New Year’s Eve Celebration Zone is unaffected and the remainder of the gardens will continue to be open this evening.

“As this incident is currently being investigated, we are unable to comment further at this time.”

A park ranger removes the branch. Picture: NewsWire

In August 2019, academic and young mum Allison Milner was killed by a falling elm tree near Princes Park, Carlton, while walking to work.

The fatal incident prompted a review of hundreds of trees in council parks.