A children’s soccer tournament in Japan descended into chaos when a towering tree suddenly crashed onto the sports ground, injuring seven spectators and triggering a massive emergency response.
The frightening incident happened Sunday at a resort complex in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, where elementary school children were taking part in a two-day soccer tournament.
Local authorities said two preschool-age girls suffered minor injuries, while five women in their 30s and 40s were also hurt. Their injuries ranged from minor to serious, though officials said none were believed to be life-threatening.
Police received an emergency call at approximately 12:05 p.m. reporting that a roughly 20-meter-tall tree had fallen and struck people near the field.
The injured were believed to be parents and children who had come to watch one of the matches.
A witness said a loud cracking sound could be heard during the game just moments before the tree came crashing down. The scene quickly became chaotic as several ambulances rushed to the sports ground and a medical helicopter transported one of the injured victims to a hospital.
Rain had fallen in Gotemba on Saturday night, though no rain was recorded in the city on Sunday. Authorities have not yet said what caused the tree to fall or whether the wet conditions played a role.
One parent said the tournament had been underway since Saturday and was scheduled to continue for two days.
The sports field is located inside a larger resort complex that also includes a hotel, hot spring facilities and tennis courts.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the sudden collapse.
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