A huge falling branch smashed a 14-year-old boy on the head as he walked along a pedestrian path with a pal.
The large limb was sent plummeting to the ground by strong gusts.
The unsuspecting lad was struck on the head by the bulky branch.
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He was left motionless on the ground for several seconds as the other teen seemed unsure whether to run away or help his stricken mate.
The accident took place as severe storms battered the town of Lota in Chile’s Bio Bio region yesterday (14 Jul).
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and rushed the victim to hospital.
He was first taken to the local Hospital de Lota before being transferred to the larger Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital in Concepción City for further checks.
Doctors said he remains in a stable condition with no life-threatening injuries, although tests are ongoing to rule out any neurological damage.
Lota mayor Jaime Vásquez said: “We lament this accident. It hurts us a lot because a 14-year-old boy almost lost his life.
“We have said many times that intervention is needed for trees at risk of falling on people or homes.”
Officials confirmed 507 trees in Lota currently pose a risk of falling.
The authorities cordoned off the area to protect other pedestrians from further falls.
Chile’s disaster prevention agency SENAPRED declared a Yellow Alert on Monday (13 Jul) due to the ongoing frontal weather system, as reported by Need To Know.
The alert, which remains in force until Sunday 19 July, covers heavy rain, strong winds, possible snow in higher areas, risk of falling trees/branches and landslides.
Locals are being urged to stay indoors where possible and avoid exposed areas.
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