A fun day at the zoo took a tragic turn when a freak accident left seven people injured, including five children.
Authorities say the guests were sitting on benches underneath a tree at the San Antonio Zoo on Wednesday when a large branch unexpectedly broke off and came crashing down on top of them.
"Zoo first responders and local emergency crews were on site within minutes to treat those who were injured," Tim Morrow, president and CEO of the zoo, said in a statement.
All seven people were taken to the hospital. One person was in critical condition, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
Witness Brandy Lorraine told the Express-News she heard a cracking noise before a large part of the tree fell where the people were sitting.
"It was a freak accident. It was so scary," Lorraine said. "I saw a woman running for help with blood on her hands. I heard people screaming. I just hope everyone is OK. Thinking about it now is even scarier because any little detour could have put us in that spot."
Chris Ryan told TODAY the scene was "chaotic" with "a lot of people in pain." He and others rushed over to the branch to help the victims.
"I went in to help and joined a group of people that were assisting this lady get up, get underneath the branch and get on her feet," Ryan said. "As we're doing that she was yelling about her baby."
Officials haven't released an update on the victims' injuries or conditions.
The zoo is working with internal and external teams "to investigate the cause of the breakage to prevent this unusual event from happening again"
"The safety of our guests, staff, and animals is always our highest priority," Morrow said. "Our gratitude is with the guests, staff, and first responders who assisted during this incident, and our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to those injured and their families, as well as those who witnessed this accident."
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