July 4th tragedy: Tree branch falls on crowd at fireworks show, kills 2, injures others

Two people died and several others were injured after a branch measuring in parts more than 8-feet around fell on spectators during a fireworks display in western Illinois, authorities said.

Rock Island County Sheriff Gerald Bustos said Wednesday that the branch fell from an oak tree that’s believed to be about 100 years old. It fell about 25 feet during Tuesday night’s “Red, White and Boom” event outside the courthouse in Rock Island.

Dozens were sitting near the tree watching the fireworks when the branch fell, crushing some of the spectators. Some of those who weren’t hurt tried to lift the branch to free the people trapped beneath

Bustos said Daniel Mendoza Sr., 61, of Rock Island was pronounced dead at the scene. Lawrence R. Anderson, 72, of Moline died at a hospital. Authorities have not provided the causes of death, but Bustos said autopsies were planned for later Wednesday.

Six other people were taken to a local hospital, including a 21-year-old pregnant woman from East Moline who was near term. Bustos said the woman gave birth, and she and her baby are reported to be in good health.