Tree Falls on California Wedding Party, Killing 1, Trapping 20

WHITTIER, CA — A large eucalyptus tree fell on a wedding party at a popular Whittier park Saturday, trapping about 20 people, killing one person and injuring eight, including a 4-year-old girl, authorities said.

It happened at 4:33 p.m. at William Penn Park in the 13900 block of Penn Street, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

One person died, Whittier police Lt. Bryan Ellis said. Eight people were taken to two hospitals. The victim was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to the coroner's office.

The 4-year-old girl was hospitalized in critical condition due to head trauma, police said.

The injuries to the seven other victims were not considered life- threatening, said Whittier police officer John Scoggins.

Penn Park is a scenic location popular for weddings and photography, Ellis said. The wedding party was apparently posing for pictures at the time the tree fell.

City News Service

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