A student was seriously injured after a tree fell on children outside a primary school

PLEASANT HILL, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) – A child was taken to the hospital after a tree fell and hit multiple students at an elementary school.

According to police, emergency personnel responded to Pleasant Hill Elementary School around 1:40 p.m. after learning that a damaged tree had fallen in a neighbor’s yard next to the playground.

Pleasant Hill police said the tree, which likely fell due to high winds, likely hit one of the students directly in the head. The child with serious injuries was transported to hospital.

According to school nursing staff, a branch from a fallen tree hit four other students, who suffered minor injuries.

Police Chief Tommy Wright said law enforcement has identified the owner of the property where the tree stood.

“People should be aware of the trees in their yard,” Wright said. “We want to make sure we use this as an opportunity to educate people about the dangers that trees pose.”

“The wind is always strong this time of year and in spring. We have several weather systems coming through. We want to make sure people know it’s time to take a look at what’s in their yard,” he said.