Mother of the bride dies after tree falls on wedding party

The mother of the bride, 61-year-old Margarita Mojarro, was killed and five others injured when a large eucalyptus tree fell on a wedding party taking photographs at a Southern California park Saturday. According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, several people were trapped under the tree at Whittier's Penn Park.

Fire crews using chain saws were on hand to cut through the downed branches.

Four of the injured suffered scrapes and bruises, authorities said. A 4-year-old girl was listed in critical condition due to head trauma.

Witnesses described hearing a loud crack and seeing people run from the area.

Officials think the tree could have been weakened by California's ongoing drought and recent heavy rain. An arborist will assess the area Sunday, officials said.


Source: Los Angeles Times