Two Students, One Adult Injured After Giant Tree Fell Onto Playground Equipment at Winthrop Elementary School in Melrose
MELROSE, MASSACHUSETTS (May 5, 2026) – Two children and an adult were injured at Winthrop Elementary School in Melrose after a large tree fell on top of them at the school’s playground.
Middlesex County officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:00 PM on Monday. Multiple students were outside in the school playground when a giant tree toppled over and fell onto the playground equipment.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help all of the victims. Two young children and one adult were identified as victims. Several other children witnessed the accident.
The two injured students and adults were taken to local area hospitals in an ambulance. Authorities are saying that the falling tree is on the property of the Upham House Museum, which is right next to Winthrop Elementary School.
A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Melrose Accidents Involving Falling Trees
Property owners in Massachusetts have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on their property, they must take action. Failing to take action to remedy a dangerous condition could form the basis of a negligence claim. Property owners should take several measures to prevent people from being injured by falling trees.
- Inspections: Property owners should conduct regular inspections of the trees on their property, especially when those trees are in high-traffic pedestrian areas.
- Removal: Property owners should have dead trees and dead tree branches removed before they fall.
- Response: Property owners should respond quickly to signs that a tree has become a hazard. This includes situations where trees are exhibiting fungal growth, rot, or other diseases.
- Roots: Property owners should ensure that the roots of their trees are protected, especially during construction or landscaping.
A number of businesses and property owners across Massachusetts have faced lawsuits after one of their trees fell over and injured someone. Consider, for example, Kurtigian v. Worcester. In that case, the plaintiff was working in his yard when he was struck and injured by a tree limb that fell over from a decayed tree on an adjacent property. During the discovery phase, it was determined that the tree had Dutch Elm disease and was already dead prior to the accident. Moreover, a large branch had already fallen from the tree by the time the plaintiff sustained injuries.
Steps to Take After Being Injured By Falling Trees
Many people are injured in accidents involving falling trees each year. According to The Weather Channel, “Multiple people are killed each year due to falling trees during storms or other weather, but there is no good record of the exact number.” It is important that the victims of these accidents take certain steps to protect their health and legal rights.
- Treatment: Victims should seek a thorough medical evaluation as early as possible. Many of the injuries associated with an accident will not be immediately obvious.
- Evidence Preservation: All of the physical evidence related to the accident should be preserved. This includes the tree that fell and photos of the accident site.
- Property Records: All of the maintenance records related to the care of the tree should be carefully reviewed. In many cases, a property owner will have known about a dangerous tree before it fell.
- Legal Review: Victims should contact an experienced Boston premises liability lawyer. An attorney can examine the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
Accidents involving fallen trees can be highly complex. They can involve liability for multiple parties. This is why it is so important that all of the evidence related is properly preserved. Unfortunately, property owners will virtually never accept responsibility when a tree falls over and injures someone. It is therefore vital that the victims of these accidents carefully consider their legal options. They may be able to pursue damages for all of the ways that they’ve been injured.
Getting Legal Help After Being Injured by a Falling Tree
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to all of the victims of this accident at Winthrop Elementary School. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information should reach out to the authorities. There needs to be a thorough investigation into the actions of the Upham House Museum prior to this incident. Many questions remain unanswered at this time.
Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident involving a falling tree? Our team of Boston playground accident attorneys is here to support you. We are committed to helping accident victims get all of the medical and financial support that they need to move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney may be able to help with your particular situation, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (855)342-3552.
