A tree that fell on Friday injured 12 people at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill during a commencement ceremony according to the school. The incident occurred adjacent to the football field where attendees were watching the commencement ceremony. Two people were transported to local hospitals.
According to the school, the DVC maintenance and operations team began removing the tree and and an investigation into the incident will occur in the coming days.
The following message was released by DVC on the incident:
Earlier this evening at approximately 6:54 p.m. toward the end of the Diablo Valley College commencement ceremony, a tree adjacent to the football field fell. Bystanders who were watching the commencement ceremony were hit by the tree.
Approximately 12 people were treated for injuries. Two individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment. They were conscious and communicative at the time of transport. The others were treated onsite and released. At this time, we are aware that one other individual went to the hospital on their own accord.
Our thoughts are with all individuals and families affected by this incident, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery.
EMT and police services were on site per DVC’s standard event protocols, and additional emergency services arrived within minutes to treat the injured individuals.
Following the emergency response, DVC’s maintenance and operations team began removing the tree.
An evaluation of the circumstances surrounding this incident has begun and will continue in the days to come.
The safety of our students, employees and visitors to our campus is our top priority. We deeply regret that this incident occurred during this milestone occasion.
We congratulate all of our 2,442 graduates and wish them joyous celebrations with their loved ones this evening.
No other information was released.
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