Three People, Including Infant, Killed by Falling Tree at German Care Facility Easter Event

A tree toppled during an Easter egg hunt at a state-funded residential care facility in northern Germany on Sunday, killing three people, including a 10-month-old infant, and injuring several others. The facility, located near Satrupholm in the Mittelangeln area outside Flensburg, provides support for pregnant women and new mothers.

Flensburg is approximately 53 miles from Kiel and 100 miles from Hamburg, near the Danish border.

m. local time when a 100-foot tree fell on the group due to high winds. Four people were pinned under the tree. A 16-year-old girl and a 21-year-old woman died at the scene despite rescue efforts. The 21-year-old woman's 10-month-old daughter was airlifted to a hospital in Kiel, where she died from her injuries.

An 18-year-old woman sustained serious injuries and was flown to a hospital in Heide for surgery. Other participants suffered minor injuries.

The German Weather Service issued a high winds warning for northern Germany that day, forecasting gusts of 34 to 40 miles per hour, with possible gusts up to nearly 50 mph in exposed areas. The incident occurred amid these conditions in the forest area.

Police are investigating whether wind alone caused the tree to fall or if pre-existing damage or disease contributed. The state forestry department has been notified. Emergency counselors were sent to support the remaining group members.

Regional Governor Daniel Günther, Interior Minister Magdalena Finke, and Youth and Families Minister Aminata Touré issued a joint statement through DPA.

“Our thoughts are with the family members of the dead, with the injured, and with everyone who had to experience this terrible occurrence.”

The facility serves vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and new mothers, affecting residents, staff, and families. Ongoing investigations will determine safety measures for similar outdoor events. Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.