Branch collapse in Tao Đàn Park leads to 2 deaths

On the morning of August 9th, a branch fell from a height of 25 meters in Tao Đàn Park, District 1, causing chaos and resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. when a group of 20 people, all over 50 years old, were participating in a tai chi session near the park’s entrance on Huyền Trân Công Chúa Street (across from the back gate of the Independence Palace). As the group was lining up for a new exercise, the branch unexpectedly fell, hitting several participants and leaving them sprawled on the ground.

According to Mr. Lê Đức Thanh, Chairman of District 1 People's Committee, a man and a woman, aged 62 and 70 respectively, were killed instantly. Three other individuals, also in their 60s and 70s, from District 1, District 3, and Bình Thạnh, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital. Mr. Thanh noted that the branch was still green and fresh, with no

prior to the accident.

Mr. Đỗ Tấn Long, Deputy Director of the HCM City Infrastructure Management Center, stated that the fallen branch had

that were not visible externally. Despite the tree appearing healthy and well-maintained, Mr. Long explained that city parks are regularly inspected and pruned to ensure safety.