A child was killed Wednesday when a tree fell at a camp at King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains in an unincorporated area near Calabasas.
Five people were initially reported injured at Camp Wildcraft at the ranch in the 26000 block of Mulholland Highway at around 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
One person was in critical condition and was airlifted to a hospital, while two others were taken to a hospital with minor injuries, the department reported.
Aerial footage from the scene showed what appeared to be a large broken tree trunk at the scene, but fire officials stated that crews responded to an “advanced life support” call at the location.
KTLA5 and FOX 11, citing information from authorities, reported that a young child was killed when a branch fell on a group of people.
“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 Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, which manages the 588 acres of public park land in the Santa Monica Mountains, 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 statement said the authority is collaborating closely with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other relevant organizations to thoroughly investigate the matter, asserting it is committed to conducting a transparent and comprehensive investigation.