Tragedy in Satrupholm
A 21-year-old woman, a 16-year-old girl, and a 10-month-old girl died on Sunday after a tree fell during an Easter egg hunt in northern Germany. The incident occurred near the town of Satrupholm at approximately 11 a.m., according to police. High winds toppled the 100-foot tree in a wooded area where around 50 people were gathered.
Victims and Injuries
Four people were pinned by the fallen tree. First responders treated a 21-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl at the scene, but both died. The 10-month-old girl, daughter of the 21-year-old woman, died later in the hospital. An 18-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital by helicopter.
Facility and Response
The Easter egg hunt was attended by people from a nearby residential facility for new mothers, pregnant women, and children. The facility is part of the state-funded child welfare system and supports pregnant women and new mothers who need assistance. Grief counselors were dispatched to the scene.
Official Statements
Government officials from the Schleswig-Holstein region, where the facility is located, issued a statement expressing their sorrow. Regional Governor Daniel Günther, Interior Minister Magdalena Finke, and Youth and Families Minister Aminata Touré released a joint statement saying they were "deeply shaken" by the accident. "Our thoughts are with the family members of the dead, with the injured, and with everyone who had to experience this terrible occurrence," they added.
Weather Warning
The German weather service had issued a high winds warning for the area prior to the incident. Pictures from the scene, published by the Bild news site, showed Easter eggs scattered on the ground and two of the victims covered in white sheets.
