Tree falls on Vanderbilt campus injuring at least 10

Natalie Neysa Alund | USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

A large tree fell on Vanderbilt University's campus Monday and injured at least 10 people, a university spokeswoman said.

The accident took place about 11:15 a.m. near the Old Gym building, university spokeswoman Elizabeth Latt wrote in a statement released at 2:40 p.m.

According to the statement, some members of a 10 a.m. admissions tour group were injured when the tree fell as the group was leaving an information session and waiting outside to begin tours of the campus. As many as 10 people were being treated for injuries at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. At least four were transported by ambulance. All of the injured were listed in stable condition.

In all, about 120 prospective students and parents were leaving the Old Gym building, where a morning information session had been held.

Some of the group had already begun tours of the campus, while others were waiting for theirs to begin, according to the statement.

The group was gathered in the traffic circle between Old Gym and Vanderbilt Hall off of West End Avenue when the tree came down.

Members of the Vanderbilt University Police Department, Metro Nashville Fire Department and Emergency Management Services responded.

The roots of the large hackberry tree located on Alumni Lawn were alive, prompting officials to believe the weight of the rain-soaked tree caused it to fall, the statement says.

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