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Arborist Hired To Help Determine Cause Of Pine Tree Collapse In Pasadena

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — An arborist was hired on Wednesday to help determine what caused a massive tree to uproot in Pasadena.

Around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, authorities were sent to Brookside Park near the Kidspace Children's Museum, located in the 400 block of North Arroyo Boulevard.

Upon their arrival, authorities located eight children, aged 5-9, who suffered from blunt force trauma after a 70-foot-tall pine tree unexpectedly fell.

Paramedics transported a boy and girl in critical condition to L.A. County-USC Medical Center. According to firefighters, the children were alert and able to talk.

CBS2's Kara Finnstrom reported both children have since been moved from intensive care units. They have been listed in guarded and stable conditions.

Six other children were treated at the park for bumps and bruises.

"On behalf of the city, I want to extend our thoughts and prayers to the injured children, especially those still hospitalized, and their families," said Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek. "We are praying for their full recovery."

The victims were part of a day camp at the facility and were just being released for the day to their parents when the tree fell.

A preliminary investigation revealed the base of the 75-year-old tree was completely uprooted.

Witnesses said they heard a large crack and then saw children scrambling in the area.

"I came out and realized it was a much bigger situation," said Michael Shanklin, CEO of Kidspace Children's Museum. "I saw children on the ground. Kidspace staff members were attending to them."

Urban Search and Rescue crews cut apart the tree to make sure that no one was trapped underneath it.

On Wednesday, city officials sealed off a huge area around the tree.

"This tree did have no signs of distress," said Lisa Derderian of the Pasadena Fire Department. "There is continual maintenance on the trees throughout the city."

A counselor will be brought in to help those who witnessed the incident.

It remains unclear if a lack of water from the current drought may have been the reason why the tree uprooted.

Also on Tuesday, part of a 60-foot tree -- an oak nearly 500 years old -- fell on a house in Newhall. Fortunately, no one was injured.

On Wednesday evening, CBS2's Andrea Fujii spoke to an arborist who says he's not sure why these trees fell but says there are warning signs for potentially dangerous trees.

"Trees do wonderful things for us, but they also can also be hazardous as well when they get certain defects," said arborist Kevin Eckert.

He said to look for dead or broken branches. He also said to look for large cavities within the tree. Also, he said to look for peeling back and large mushroom-type fungus.

"Those are signs that you have decay in the tree," Eckert said, "the magnitude of the deday, how much we're not sure. You have to have someone look at that and maybe do some diagnostic testing."

Overall, falling trees pose little risk. Studies show approximately 25 people die each year nationwide from falling trees. But Eckert says it's always smart to be aware.

"If you look at the tree," he says, "and understand what's normal for the tree, if you see something that doesn't look right, even if it's a gut feeling, there might be a problem."

If you notice any of the warning signs, contact city or county officials. If the tree is on your property, contact a qualified arborist for a diagnosis.

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