- Cause of severed branch unclear - injured in hospital
Why a powerful branch in Munich's English Garden suddenly broke and severely injured a woman is now to be investigated by an expert. According to current findings of the criminal police, the old lime tree was not previously sawn or otherwise manipulated, a spokesman for the police headquarters said. The victim, a 27-year-old, is still in hospital with a skull fracture.
The police spokesman emphasized the magnitude of the incident: "The branch is over 18 meters long and has a diameter of 85 centimeters at its widest point. You can almost say that it's like a tree that fell down."
Crashed without warning
This crashed onto two visitors of the popular park without warning. "One person was able to free themselves, others helped by lifting the branch," a spokesman for the fire department described directly after the incident on Sunday afternoon.
According to police findings, the severely injured Munich woman was swimming in the Schwabinger Bach, which flows through the English Garden. "She was trapped under the branch in the bank area," the spokesman said. Passers-by immediately rushed to the scene and provided first aid. A coincidentally present doctor stabilized the woman and cared for her until the arrival of the rescue services.
Crisis intervention teams support witnesses
Because witnesses and first responders were traumatized, several crisis intervention teams were also on site. Due to the many people in the park, a large contingent of police, rescue services, and firefighters initially arrived. A rescue helicopter was also available but not needed.
The Bavarian Palace Administration, which is responsible for the English Garden, was initially not available for inquiries about possible inspections of the affected tree.
Not the first case
Similar cases have made headlines in the past. In July 2021, for example, a 23-meter-high maple tree on an Augsburg playground toppled over and hit a seesaw where a mother was playing with her 20-month-old daughter. Both were severely injured, and the girl later died in Augsburg University Hospital. The controller responsible for the tree was later acquitted of the charge of negligent homicide in court.
The Bavarian Palace Administration has been contacted to discuss any potential inspections or maintenance records related to the affected tree. Given the size of the broken branch, the Commission might consider adopting implementing acts to strengthen the safety measures for such large trees in public parks.
