A woman sustained serious injuries after being struck by a falling tree branch in Toronto. The incident occurred near the intersection of Avenue Road and St. Clair Avenue West, with emergency services receiving reports just before 3:30 p.m. of a large tree branch crashing down onto the street.
According to Toronto police, the falling branch hit both a woman, who is believed to be in her 30s, and a child. Fortunately, the 10-year-old girl who was with her was unharmed in the incident. However, the woman was transported to a local hospital due to serious injuries that are now described as possibly life-threatening.
First responders acted swiftly, arriving at the scene to assess the situation. The authorities have since closed St. Clair Avenue between Forest Hill Road and Foxbar Road to ensure public safety and allow emergency services to operate effectively. The area remains cordoned off as investigators look into the circumstances surrounding the event.
Residents in the vicinity have expressed their shock over the accident, emphasizing the unpredictability of such situations. Eyewitness accounts detail the moment when the branch fell, noting that it appears to have come from a nearby tree that may have been compromised. Officials are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the condition of the tree and whether any prior warnings could have been issued.
This incident raises broader concerns about urban safety, particularly regarding large trees in city environments that may pose hazards to pedestrians. City officials will likely review their protocols and maintenance schedules for public trees to prevent incidents like this from happening in the future.
The outcome of the woman's condition remains unclear as she undergoes treatment, and her family has been notified. The community is rallying in support, offering prayers and well wishes for her recovery.
As the investigation continues, local authorities urge anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. The focus is now on ensuring such accidents don't recur while evaluating the health and stability of trees across the city.