Great Smoky Mountains National Park Communications Center received a report around 4pm on Wednesday, July 10 of visitors who were struck by a falling tree at Missionary Baptist Church in Cades Cove. Rangers were dispatched to the scene and found a 41 year old female, who had been knocked unconscious, as well as her 1 year old daughter and 7 year old nephew who had also sustained injuries in the accident.
Due to inclement weather, flying the patients out by helicopter was not an option. Blount County Rural Metro transported the individuals to UT Medical Center.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing. Rangers are attempting to locate witnesses and get detailed statements of what occurred when the tree fell.
Missionary Baptist Church is located approximately four miles around the 11-mile one way Cades Cove Loop Road. Park staff and Park Volunteers provided traffic control on the road during the incident.
– NPS
