A Fourth of July celebration at Six Flags Over Georgia turned terrifying when a massive tree came crashing down near the park’s entrance, striking four visitors as a powerful storm ripped through the area.
The frightening incident unfolded Sunday, July 5, near the front entrance of the popular theme park in Austell, Georgia, as severe weather moved in with little warning.
First responders treated the injured guests at the scene before all four were transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, according to local reports.
Six Flags Over Georgia confirmed that park medical staff and local emergency crews responded after the guests were struck by the falling tree during what officials described as “severe weather in the area.”
“The injured guests were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation,” the park said in a statement provided to WSB-TV’s Channel 2.
The conditions of the four visitors have not been officially released. However, 11Alive reported that two of the victims suffered serious injuries.
Austell and Six Flags Over Georgia were among several locations placed under a severe thunderstorm warning Sunday evening as dangerous weather swept across the region, according to CBS News.
It remains unclear whether the storm caused any structural damage inside the park or forced officials to change its operating hours.
Park visitor Charles Smith told WSB-TV that he and his wife had been waiting for a fireworks show as part of the park’s ongoing Fourth of July celebrations when the weather suddenly took a dangerous turn.
Smith said he saw a young woman lying on the ground after the tree fell, as well as a man who appeared to have scrapes covering his back.
“It was almost like a little tornado come through,” Smith recalled, explaining that the storm struck so quickly that visitors barely had time to react.
The terrifying scene unfolded as families had gathered for what was supposed to be a festive holiday weekend filled with rides, fireworks and summer fun.
A Six Flags Over Georgia spokesperson and the Austell City Clerk did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
