A student died after being seriously injured when a tree collapsed onto a playground at Winthrop Elementary School, in the city of Melrose, Massachusetts.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, as confirmed by the Melrose Fire Department to the ABC News subsidiary in Boston, WCVB-5.

Aerial images disseminated by American media showed the fallen tree on a children's recreational structure inside the school precinct.

Authorities confirm the death

The superintendent of public schools, Cari Berman, and mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis issued a joint statement on Tuesday in which they confirmed the death of the child.

“It is with deep sadness that we share that the student who was seriously injured has passed away,” they indicated in the official message, in which they also expressed condolences to the affected family.

The statement specified that two other people —another student and an adult— who were also injured in the incident have already been discharged after receiving medical care.

The local authorities activated psychological support resources and grief management programs, urging students, families,and educational staff to make use of these services in the emotional impact of the event.

Climatic conditions and tree evaluation

Witnesses stated that at the time of the accident strong gusts of wind were recorded in the area. However, representatives of the community indicated that The tree, located on a nearby property linked to the historic Phineas Upham House, had recently been inspected without showing any signs of risk.

The authorities continue to evaluate the circumstances of the event, while the Melrose community faces a day of grief marked by tragedy.