Falling tree strikes boy in Ipswich park
FAMILIES at River Heart Parklands Stage Two were left shaken when a tree fell on a young boy on Wednesday.
Witnesses said the boy was briefly trapped by the branches of the large tree.
"It landed right on a little boy having a picnic with his family," Bernita Whittle said.
"The family tried to scramble, but the boy wasn't quick enough. Kids and parents ran over to see what was going on, and to help."
The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) attended the park at 12.30pm and reported the boy suffered abrasions. He did not require hospital treatment.
Tiffany De La Fosse photographed the scene.
"You could hear a cracking noise, and the family tried to get out of the way but the boy got trapped," Ms De La Fosse said. "It was scary because it was so random."
The tree was part of the Discovery Forest play area.
Ipswich City Council will conduct health checks on the remaining trees in response to the incident, Parks, Sport and Recreation Committee chairman David Morrison said.
"I understand a child was nearby and sustained minor scratches and has since been to the family's GP in Boonah," Cr Morrison said.
"While the cause of the tree falling today has not been confirmed, early indications are that it had suffered some rotting of the roots well below ground level.
While the cause of the tree falling today has not been confirmed, early indications are that it had suffered some rotting of the roots well below ground level.
"Previous inspections during the construction of the parklands gave no indication of a problem and the tree appeared healthy."
Ms Whittle said she would avoid the forest until the trees were assessed.
"I think this one was dead or rotten; it's a freak thing but I'm not going close to that area until they're checked," Ms Whittle said.
