What was meant to be a joyful Easter celebration turned into an unthinkable tragedy after a massive tree suddenly collapsed during a community egg hunt in Germany, killing a young mother, her baby, and a teenage girl.
Authorities say the incident happened around 11 a.m. near the northern town of Satrupholm, where about 50 people — including mothers, pregnant women, and children — had gathered for the holiday event.
The egg hunt was organized by a local support center for new and expecting mothers.
But in an instant, everything changed.
Strong winds brought down a towering 100-foot tree, which crashed into the crowd and trapped several people underneath.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, where four people were found pinned beneath the tree.
Despite desperate rescue efforts, a 21-year-old mother and a 16-year-old girl were pronounced dead at the scene.
The young mother’s 10-month-old baby was critically injured and rushed to a hospital — but later died from her injuries.
Another victim, an 18-year-old woman, suffered serious spinal injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital by helicopter.
Images from the scene show scattered Easter eggs across the forest floor, a haunting reminder of how quickly the celebration turned into chaos. Two victims were seen covered with white sheets as first responders worked nearby.
Officials say the area had been under a high wind warning at the time, raising questions about safety conditions ahead of the event.
Local leaders say they are devastated.
“We are deeply shaken,” officials said in a joint statement, offering condolences to the victims’ families and everyone impacted by the tragedy.
Grief counselors were also brought in to support those who witnessed the horrific scene.