PLEASANT HILL, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) – A child was taken to the hospital after a tree fell and hit several students at an elementary school.

Emergency personnel responded to Pleasant Hill Elementary School around 1:40 p.m. after learning that a damaged tree in a neighbor’s yard near the playground had fallen, according to police.

Pleasant Hill police said the tree, believed to have fallen due to high winds, likely hit a student directly in the head. The child was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

A branch from the fallen tree hit four other students, who suffered minor injuries, according to school custodians.

Police Chief Tommy Wright said law enforcement has identified the owner of the property the tree was on.

“People need to be careful about the trees in their backyard,” Wright said. “We want to make sure we use this as an opportunity to educate people about the dangers of trees.”

“The winds are always strong at this time of year and in the spring. We have a few incoming weather systems. We want to make sure people know it’s time to take a look at what’s in your backyard,” he said.

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