A visitor from Moscow, Ksenia, happened to be in Saratov on vacation when a large tree toppled in City Park, leading to a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two people. The collapse occurred near a children’s carousel, transforming a sunny moment into a scene of shock and sorrow for everyone nearby.
“They and their friends had taken shelter beneath a massive, aging tree, fearful that it might crash down at any moment. About three minutes later, another tree fell not far from us, and a loud, piercing scream pierced the air. People rushed toward the carousel area and the tent where the first tree had struck. Those nearby described men sprinting to help, while women cried out in distress and disbelief. The whole moment felt like a terrible nightmare,” she recalled, describing the panic that swept through the park.
Ksenia noted that the weather in the city had been windy, yet she did not think the gusts were strong enough to topple such trees. She left the park in haste after the incidents, which prevented her from assessing the full extent of the injuries faced by other victims still lying scattered around the area or to determine how many people were hurt beyond those she witnessed firsthand.
“I can’t speak with certainty about every victim, but the security teams and medical responders arrived with remarkable speed. A few minutes after the chaos began, flashing lights and emergency vehicles appeared on the scene, moving quickly to the affected areas. Within five to seven minutes, the park had been cordoned off and relief efforts were underway, yet the atmosphere remained heavy with fear and loss as onlookers stepped back from the wreckage and tried to understand what had happened,” she said, recounting the rapid deployment of aid and the somber mood that followed.
According to subsequent media reports, the tragedy at Saratov City Park claimed the lives of an elderly woman, aged eighty, and a nine-year-old boy. In addition to these fatalities, two other children and a woman were hospitalized to receive urgent care for their injuries, underscoring the severe impact of the collapse on families and the broader community. The park remained a scene of quiet vigilance as investigators and responders continued their work to preserve evidence and furnish answers for grieving relatives and witnesses alike.
Emergency services were kept at the site as the investigation and recovery operations proceeded, with officials coordinating a careful assessment of the cause, the stability of surrounding trees, and any immediate safety risks to prevent further harm. Local authorities urged residents and visitors to avoid the area while the response was ongoing, and to follow official updates as more information became available. The incident left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it, turning a casual stroll into a moment of collective mourning and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of public spaces.