Tree Falls During Easter Egg Hunt in Germany, Killing Three Including Infant

Three people died after a tree fell on a group during an Easter egg hunt in northern Germany on Sunday, according to German police. m. in a wooded area near the town of Satrupholm, where high winds caused a 100-foot tree to topple. The event was attended by approximately 50 people from a nearby state-funded residential facility that supports pregnant women, new mothers, and children.

Four individuals were pinned under the fallen tree. A 21-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl received treatment from first responders but were pronounced dead at the scene. The 21-year-old woman's 10-month-old daughter died later at a hospital. An 18-year-old woman sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital by helicopter.

The facility is part of Schleswig-Holstein's child welfare system, providing assistance to women and families in need, as described on its website. Grief counselors were dispatched to the scene to support those affected. Images from the site, published by the Bild news outlet, depicted scattered Easter eggs on the ground and two victims covered with white sheets.

The area was under a high wind warning issued by the German weather service prior to the incident. No further details on the wind speeds or exact conditions were provided in police statements.

Government officials from the Schleswig-Holstein region expressed condolences following the event. Regional Governor Daniel Günther, Interior Minister Magdalena Finke, and Youth and Families Minister Aminata Touré issued a joint statement via the dpa news agency.

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

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with police examining factors such as tree stability and weather conditions. The facility's operations may face review in the aftermath, though no immediate changes have been announced. Families and participants are receiving support through counseling services, and the public is urged to heed weather warnings during outdoor activities.