7 injured after large banyan tree branch falls in Waikiki
Seven people were injured at the Hilton Hawaiian Village this afternoon after a large branch from a banyan tree fell on them.
The Honolulu Emergency Medical Services responded to the incident at at around 12:15 p.m. Those who were injured suffered multiple abrasions and injuries, including serious head injuries, EMS reported.
“We can confirm a large tree branch collapsed this afternoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village and those injured were either transported to the hospital for further treatment or were treated at the scene,” a spokesperson for Hilton Hawaiian Village said in an email statement. “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected and their families. Our hotel team along with several guests responded immediately and the proper authorities were contacted. The wellbeing, safety and security of our guests and Team Members are of paramount importance.”
A spokesperson could not say what caused the tree branch to fall or if it had been a concern to staff prior to today. It’s also unclear if other trees on the property have branches that could potentially collapse.
A witness on social media said windy conditions caused part of the tree to fall, and another said that people were running away screaming when it happened.
Four of the seven injured patients were treated and transported to a trauma hospital, and three others were evaluated at the scene but refused transportation, according to EMS.
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All the patients are adults, and all those who were transported were in serious condition. Two of the patients who were transported are in their 20s, and another is 50 years old. The fourth adult’s age was not provided.
Two of the three patients who refused transportation were in their 50s, and the other is 23 years old.