Seattle, Washington – Tree Falls Onto Building at Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, Washington (January 31, 2020) – A tree fell into the Student Union Building at Seattle Pacific University while students were inside on Friday night. According to the report from KIRO7 News, no one was injured in the incident and everyone was safely evacuated. The building was closed until the damage can be assessed, but the tree was reported to be removed by workers on Saturday. The tree was reported to be properly maintained, but it appears that the ground had been saturated from recent rains and may have been a factor in the tree’s fall. The trees in the area were also inspected for signs of instability.

About Crush Injuries

It is fortunate that there were no injuries in this particular incident. Accidents that involve objects falling on the victim result in what is called “crush” injuries. According to the Arrive Alive website, crush injuries can occur in any car accident, falls or a situation where a structure is collapsing. Even minor crush injuries can involve a lot of pain and discomfort – such injuries include bruising, lacerations, and sprained ankles. Major crush injuries involve parts of the body below the skin, and usually involve blunt force. Major crush injuries include head fractures, facial trauma, severe lacerations and blunt force chest-and-abdominal trauma, among others. Additionally, because of the events which lead up to crush injuries, victims will often require extrication or some kind of rescue to get them out of the dangerous situation.

While it is true accidents can happen, we urge everyone to do their part to ensure safety in their surroundings. Avoid  areas with hazards such as rockfalls and construction sites if possible, and be cautious if it is necessary. For their part, construction crews should adhere to safety guidelines and make sure that any equipment they use will not become a hazard for anyone else. Make sure that your own home is able to withstand any kind of rough weather, particularly if it’s a mobile home. Ensuring our safety can also ensure the safety of others.

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