Málaga increases tree surveillance after multiple falling branch incidents

The Málaga City Council has implemented an emergency inspection plan for urban trees following a series of incidents involving falling branches and large trees. The measure follows four significant events occurring within an eight-day period.

The most severe incident took place on August 22 in the Palma-Palmilla district, where a large eucalyptus branch struck two young women sitting on a bench. One victim, aged 23, was admitted to the intensive care unit and has undergone multiple surgeries.

Other incidents include a branch falling on a parked vehicle in the Carlos Haya area on August 24, the collapse of a large robinia pseudoacacia in the Alfonso XII plaza park, and the splitting of a ficus tree in the La Paz neighborhood on the morning of August 30.

Residents have expressed growing concern regarding tree maintenance and public safety, noting that some trees had been recently inspected without apparent risk. The municipal government has instructed maintenance companies to increase surveillance, with an initial focus on eucalyptus specimens.