Multiple injured after tree falls during Diablo Valley College graduation

12 hurt after tree falls during graduation ceremony

A tree fell near the stadium at Diablo Valley College shortly at the end of the graduation ceremony Friday evening, causing multiple injuries.

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. - A tree fell near the stadium at Diablo Valley College shortly at the end of the graduation ceremony Friday evening, causing multiple injuries.

What we know:

Con Fire officials said there were a handful of injuries, but it does not appear that the tree fell upon people or that anyone was trapped underneath it. However, witnesses told KTVU there were people trapped under the tree for some amount of time. 

Diablo Valley College said around 12 people who were standing on a walkway were injured when the tree fell shortly before 7 p.m.

A spokesperson said the injured were bystanders watching the ceremony. 

The severity of the injuries is unknown, but at least two people were taken to local hospitals for treatment. School officials say all the victims were conscious, but beyond that there's no word on the condition of those hospitalized. 

School officials said police and EMT personnel were already present per their event protocols, but additional emergency personnel arrived to treat those hurt.

What we don't know:

"We do not know the circumstances of why the tree fell," said Jennifer Ortega, director of communications for the Contra Costa Community College District. "We were able to complete the graduation and an announcement was made for people to stay clear so that some response vehicles could get through."

Ortega says none of those injured were graduates--since they were all on stage at the time. 

School officials say they do regularly assess and maintain the trees on campus, and remove trees if necessary. Officials are already looking into exactly what caused the tree to fall, and will continue their investigation over the coming days. 

Tree falls at Diablo Valley College

The college's maintenance and operations teams removed the tree, school officials said.

What they're saying:

"The safety of our students and visitors to our campus is our top priority. We deeply regret that this incident occurred during this milestone occasion. We congratulate all of our graduates and hope they are able to celebrate with their loved ones this evening," Diablo Valley College said in a statement.