Overview
- A large tree crashed onto Winthrop Elementary School’s playground Monday afternoon just after dismissal, according to police and fire officials.
- The Melrose Fire Department and mayor’s office said two children and one adult were taken by ambulance to local hospitals, with one child reported as seriously hurt.
- Officials said the trunk came from the neighboring Upham House Museum property, bent a fence, and landed across a jungle gym.
- Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan joined state and local police at the scene to investigate the cause, and the playground remains closed as crews remove debris.
- Museum leaders said they conduct regular tree inspections and had three trees removed on Friday, while nearby residents described brief wind gusts before the tree fell.