AYUTTHAYA, Thailand – Four Spanish tourists were injured after a large flame tree (royal poinciana) suddenly collapsed onto them while they were visiting the historic Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple in Ayutthaya Historical Park on Sunday, with one man suffering serious fractures. The incident happened at around 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 16 along a walkway beside the ancient temple. Rescue workers from several foundations and medical teams rushed to the scene after receiving reports that a large tree had fallen onto foreign tourists.
The four injured tourists were members of the same Spanish family travelling in a group of about 15 people. Three women suffered minor injuries while a 55-year-old Spanish man suffered serious injuries including fractured ribs on the right side and two fractures to his left leg. Rescue workers found the tourists on the ground beneath the fallen tree and branches. They used cutting equipment to clear the branches before transporting the injured to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital.
A rescue worker said there was no rain or strong wind when the tree suddenly came down. An initial inspection found a hollow section and signs of damage near the base, raising the possibility that the tree had deteriorated with age and could no longer support its own weight. The exact cause remains under investigation. Authorities quickly removed the fallen branches and trunk to clear the walkway and improve safety around the site. Police investigators and tourist police also attended to assist the injured tourists and their families.
Ayutthaya Governor Chavanin Wongstitjirakan later visited the hospital to check on the injured tourists and instructed officials to ensure they received close care and assistance. He ordered the provincial Tourism and Sports Office to coordinate with tourist police and other agencies in looking after the affected family.
The governor also instructed Ayutthaya Historical Park and the provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office to deploy arborists to inspect large trees at historic sites across the province.
The inspections are intended to identify trees that may pose safety risks and help prevent another accident involving visitors to Ayutthaya’s historic attractions.
