Ferrara Playground Tree Branch Collapse Triggers Safety Inquiry

On 10 July, a large tree branch fell in a playground area between Viale Orlando Furioso and Via Fulvio Testi in Ferrara. Three toddlers were playing beneath the tree; one sustained a minor facial scratch while the other two were quickly pulled to safety by their mothers. Firefighters and local police secured the site and reported the incident to municipal authorities.

Democratic Party councilor Davide Nanni submitted an interpellation to the mayor and the responsible assessor, demanding details on the condition of the trees and the maintenance schedule. He noted that Ferrara Tua SpA, the municipal firm, conducts over 5 500 prunings and 500 stability checks annually, yet no recent pruning or stability inspections had been recorded for the trees in that area. Nanni called for the results of forthcoming inspections and a detailed program of future maintenance actions.

A witness described the event as “a miracle,” noting the close call for the children.