BACOLOD City – An eight-year-old boy was killed after a towering palm tree collapsed onto their house in Barangay Bulanon, Sagay City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday afternoon, August 5.
A report from the Sagay City Component City Police Station (CCPS) said the incident occurred at about 3:40 p.m. in Purok Fire Tree, Barangay Bulanon.
The victim was inside their house with his mother and twin sister, using a mobile phone, when they heard the sound of cracking branches.
Moments later, a palm tree located about 10 meters from their home suddenly toppled and crashed through the house.
Police said the boy was unable to escape before the trunk struck him in the head. His mother and twin sister managed to flee the house without injuries.
The child was rushed to the Alfredo E. Marañon Sr. District Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician due to severe head injuries.
Authorities learned of the incident later that evening after a police officer came across a Facebook post about the tragedy. Responding officers proceeded to the area, but the debris had already been cleared and the victim’s body had been brought to a funeral home.
Initial investigation showed the fallen palm tree measured about 60 feet long. Residents told investigators the tree was approximately 60 years old and may have collapsed after its roots deteriorated.
Police said no other injuries were found on the victim’s body aside from the fatal head wound, and investigators found no indication of foul play.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential danger posed by aging trees, particularly during the rainy season when weakened roots may give way./PN
