A community Easter outing turned deadly when a tree fell in strong winds. Families and rescuers are now grappling with loss and questions.
During an Easter egg hunt in northern Germany, strong winds toppled a tree, killing three people, including a 10-month-old girl.
Around 11:00, about 50 people from a nearby residential facility for young mothers, pregnant women and children took part in the event in a forest near the town of Satrupholm.
Four people ended up underneath the fallen tree. A 21-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl died at the scene, while her 10-month-old daughter died later in hospital. An 18-year-old woman sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital.
Circumstances of the tragedy
The facility, operating within the child protection system, provides support to pregnant women and young mothers in need of help. Crisis support and grief specialists arrived to provide psychological assistance to the families.
According to witnesses at the scene, Easter eggs were found on the ground nearby, and the bodies of two of the deceased were covered with white sheets.
The area had previously been under a warning of strong winds from the national meteorological service.
Reaction and consequences
Law enforcement and emergency services continue to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy and provide support to the affected families.