NEW Year’s Eve fireworks have been cancelled in Bendigo after a girl was killed by a falling tree branch where the display was to be held.
The four-year-old was killed and her 31-year-old mother seriously injured when they were hit by the tree limb at Rosalind Park in central Bendigo yesterday afternoon.
The woman suffered a fractured leg, head injuries and a possible spinal injury.
She remains in the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious condition.
The incident happened near the Poppet Head lookout tower, the traditional site of the city’s fireworks display.
City of Greater Bendigo acting CEO Stan Liacos said the fireworks would be cancelled out of respect for the family.
“Following consultation with Mayor Barry Lyons and city staff, this was the right decision to make and we trust the greater Bendigo community will understand,” Mr Liacos said today.
Cr Lyons said the incident was a tragedy.
“It’s happened out of the blue, ” Cr Lyons said yesterday.
“It’s absolutely devastating for the parents and the family, absolutely devastating.”
Mr Liacos said the council was investigating with emergency services to determine what caused the incident.
City staff will also carry out their own investigations of the site.
Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
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Source: News Ltd