Campus visitors injured by falling tree

Updated Dec. 28: As of Friday, Dec. 25, all of the injured had been released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Updated Dec. 22, 5:10 p.m.: Ten members of a Vanderbilt University admissions tour group were injured Monday, Dec. 21, when a tree fell as the group was leaving an information session and waiting outside to begin tours of campus. None of the injuries are considered life-threatening.

Nine of the injured had been released as of Tuesday afternoon from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The one remaining at the hospital was listed in stable condition.

In all, approximately 120 prospective students and parents were leaving the Old Gym building, where the 10 a.m. information session was held. Some of the group had already begun tours of the campus, while others were waiting for theirs to begin. They were gathered in the drop-off circle between the Old Gym and Vanderbilt Hall off of West End Avenue when the tree came down about 11:15 a.m. One of the injured was a Vanderbilt student who works as an admissions tour guide.

Members of the Vanderbilt University Police Department, Metro Nashville Fire Department and Emergency Management Services responded.

The roots of the large hackberry tree located on Alumni Lawn were alive, prompting officials to believe the weight of the rain-soaked tree caused it to fall.