A gut-wrenching tragedy played out in the Northern Territory capital’s Darwin suburb of Tiwi. In 2018, a collapsing palm tree killed a seven-year-old wrongfully sheltered beneath the shade in her own backyard. The tragic event unfolded on a sunny afternoon, shocking the local community and prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
The playful young girl lost her life in an incident involving a palm tree that unexpectedly fell on her as she played on an ordinary day. Tragically, she stopped breathing before reaching the Royal Darwin Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. An 11-year-old boy who happened to be in the area at the time was injured but those injuries were not life-threatening.
Witnesses described the pandemonium that broke out after the tree fell, including neighbors running to assist and call for help. The very loud sound of the tree crashing to Earth produced instant anxiety throughout the neighborhood. In short order, hundreds of residents stepped forward to stand with the family that suffered this preventable tragedy.
“Police and St John Ambulance attended the scene, and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital; however, she was pronounced deceased prior to arrival,” – NT Police
An investigation is still underway. Cincinnati’s local officials continue to take a hard look at the area’s tree cover to avoid tragedies like this falling victim again. Their community is devastated to face the tragic loss of such a young life. They are coming together to help provide for this heartbroken family at such an unimaginable time in their lives.
As investigations continue, local officials are assessing the condition of trees in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future. The community remains in shock over the loss of such a young life and is coming together to support the grieving family during this difficult time.
