Two people injured after tree branch falls at WOMADelaide in Botanic Park

Two people have made a lucky escape after a tree branch fell at a festival in Adelaide’s Botanic Park, with one man taken to hospital.

A large tree branch has fallen at WOMADelaide, injuring multiple people. Picture: Rod Savage

Two people have been injured after a tree branch fell at WOMADelaide in the Botanic Park.

The incident happened on Monday evening near a dining area when witnesses reported an almighty crack and the large branch fell.

SA Ambulance said a 55-year-old man was under the tree and treated at the scene by ambulance members.

Another person was treated by St John’s Ambulance, a WOMADelaide spokesperson said.

Both reported minor injuries, however one was later taken to hospital.

A large tree branch has fallen at WOMADelaide, injuring two people. Picture: Rod Savage

Witnesses reported an almighty crack. Picture: Rod Savage

A 55-year-old man was among those injured. Picture: Rod Savage

“Precautions have now been taken in the Park,” the spokesperson said.

A SAAS spokeswoman said the man was conscious and breathing in what one festival goer called “a lucky escape”.

She said he was treated for a potential back injury and an off-duty paramedic and doctor were also at the scene.

News Corp journalist Rod Savage was at the final day of the music and dance festival and reported there being a “massive crack and then people screaming”.

“Everyone rushed over to where the huge branch had fallen and were peering under it. I was expecting to see people underneath it, it fell right beside bench seats and tables,” he said.

“There was one guy underneath the tangle of branches. He was clearly in shock.

“Volunteers and St John’s staff were there really quickly and had him in the recovery position. Apart from some grazes on his back he seemed physically fine. He was up and talking within about 10 minutes.

“I don’t know how someone wasn’t killed – it could have so easily turned out to be a tragedy.”

The tree branch fell in an area close to food trucks where people were lining up for dinner when the incident happened.

The SES said trees were suffering from prolonged heat stress and were vulnerable to dropping large branches and limbs.

The man’s miracle escape comes after a 22-year-old woman was killed by a falling tree in North Adelaide early last year.

International student Alifia Soeryo died after an eight-tonne gum tree branch fell on her in the Adelaide Parklands on February 7, 2024.

Originally published as Two people injured after tree branch falls at WOMADelaide in Botanic Park