5 hurt by falling tree at Capitol Hill park

Published July 19, 2011 4:00am ET



Five people attending a vacation Bible camp were injured by a falling tree branch at a Capitol Hill park.

A tree-sized branch dropped from an oak tree at Garfield Park, located on the 600 block of Third Street SE, at about 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, said Pete Piringer, spokesman for D.C. fire and emergency services.

The branch fell with “no warning,” injuring an adult man, a 17-year-old boy and three children, Piringer said. They were part of a group from a Bible camp at the nearby The Peoples Church, he said. The church’s pastor confirmed that they were church volunteers and children attending the camp.

The adult and 17-year-old are in serious condition, Piringer said. He said the children are also listed in serious condition, and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The ages of the children weren’t available. The camp serves children from about age 3 through 12.