2 Children Injured After Silver Maple Tree Falls In Whittier

WHITTIER (CBSLA.com) — Two children were recovering Friday after being injured by a falling tree while playing in their front yard in Whittier.

Paramedics responded to the 3900 block of Croton Avenue for a report of a fallen tree about 11:30 a.m. Friday, according to a Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesperson.

When crews arrived, they located James and Andrea Castillo, ages 10 and 8.

The children had been pulled to safety by their neighbor, an 18-year-old Eagle Scout, who saw the tree fall and ran across the street.

"I was standing right there sweeping my lawn, and it just collapsed," Nathan Morrow said. "I was going to first call going to call 911 but then I was like, 'Oh, no! She's stuck.' I changed my mind and ran over there."

James suffered a concussion, while Andrea suffered a fractured skull.

Both were taken to a hospital by ambulance and are expected to make a full recovery.

"My first reaction was anger, you know? A lot of anger," Paul Benson, the children's grandfather, said.

Benson said he has made multiple claims asking Los Angeles County Public Works to cut down the tree.

He said a different tree fell onto his truck a year ago across the street from his home.

"I've been complaining to the county yard you know that this tree is dead and it needs to be taken out," he said.

Los Angeles County Public Works wouldn't comment on whether Benson had made prior complaints but said the tree was at least a couple of decades old. They said this was a tragic accident.