A child was killed and several others were injured after a large tree fell at a park in Calabasas Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities responded to King Gillette Ranch on the 26800 block of Mulholland Highway shortly before 3 p.m.
A thick tree branch had snapped off near picnic tables and several parked vehicles. There was a summer day camp, Camp Wildcraft, taking place on the property. There are reports that children were participating in an arts and crafts activity at the tables when the tree fell.
One child was airlifted to the hospital where they later died. At least five other people were injured but treated at the scene, the Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed.
No further details, including the victims’ ages or identities, were released.
The summer camp was reportedly held at King Gillette Ranch for the first time this summer because the previous location was affected by the deadly Palisades fire.
“I did know that it was supposed to be at a different location and it was moved here,” said a parent named Sarah. “I don’t know if they searched the area before they put the camp here.”
Officials from the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) released a statement on the incident, saying in part:
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of a young child at a summer camp at King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains. Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow. Our hearts are with the child’s family, friends, and all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy.
The safety and well-being of children and adults in our parks is, and always will be, our highest priority. We are working closely with Los Angeles County Sheriffs and appropriate agencies to understand exactly what happened, and we are fully committed to supporting a thorough and transparent investigation.
This is a profoundly difficult time for our entire MRCA community and the parks community of the Santa Monica Mountains. We grieve alongside the family and are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers. We ask for compassion and privacy for the family as they navigate this loss.”
L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath also released a statement on the incident, saying:
“My heart is with everyone impacted by this tragic situation. We are actively working to provide all possible support. @LHSLASD and @LACOFD are on the scene, and we are staying closely connected as the situation unfolds. We hold everyone involved in our thoughts and pray for their safety.”
