Massive Tree Branch Kills Boy, Injures 4 Others At LA County Summer Camp

CALABASAS, CA — An 8-year-old boy was killed and four other people were injured Wednesday when a massive oak tree branch fell on them at a camp in the Santa Monica Mountains near Calabasas.

The boy, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital, along with two children and two men were injured at King Gillette Ranch's Camp Wildcraft off Mulholland Highway just before 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles County fire and sheriff's departments.

People reported hearing a loud crack before the branch — estimated to weigh several hundred pounds — came tumbling down from an old oak tree. The branch was 25 to 30 feet long, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The group was sitting at picnic tables underneath the tree doing arts and crafts activities when the branch fell, KTLA reported.

An 11-year-old girl suffered a broken leg and was airlifted from the scene, deputies said.

A 5-year-old boy and 22-year-old man suffered cuts, including to their heads. A 73-year-old man sustained a concussion, according to the sheriff's department.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, which manages the 588 acres of public park land, said it is collaborating closely with the sheriff's department and other relevant organizations to thoroughly investigate the matter, asserting it is committed to conducting a transparent and comprehensive investigation.

"We are devastated by the tragic loss of a young child at a summer camp at King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains," a statement from the organization said. "Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow. Our hearts are with the child's family, friends, and all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy."

The camp is usually held in Pacific Palisades but was moved to the King Gillette Ranch because of the Palisades Fire, according to Fox 11.

Large oak trees are widespread in the Calabasas area, including a 200-year-old one.

City News Service contributed to this report.