A tree branch falls on benches at the San Antonio Zoo; 7 hurts

SAN ANTONIO – Seven people were injured, one seriously, when a large piece of a tree broke off and fell on several occupied benches at the San Antonio Zoo on Wednesday, authorities and a witness said.

The branch “unexpectedly” fell off around noon, zoo officials said.

City Fire Department spokesman Joe Arrington said children and adults were among those injured. He added that one person was seriously injured and the rest were taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Witness Brandi Lorraine, who was visiting the zoo with her 9-year-old daughter, told the San Antonio Express-News that she was sitting on a bench next to a tree when she heard the crack. According to her, most of the tree fell on the benches where people were sitting.

“It was a ridiculous accident. It was so scary,” Lorraine told the newspaper. “I saw a woman running for help with blood on her hands. I heard the screams of people. I just hope everything is ok. Thinking about it now is even scarier, because any small deviation could put us in this position.