A falling palm tree has tragically killed a young woman who was enjoying a day out at a popular swimming spot with friends.
The incident took place at a waterfall in a rural area of Jose de Freitas in Sao Domingos, Brazil, on the evening of April 3.
The victim has been identified as 22-year-old Bruna Geovania de Lima Cruz, who was taking a dip in the natural pool beneath the waterfall with her boyfriend and friends.
It had started to rain heavily moments before the tragedy struck and a strong gust of wind caused a large babassu palm to fall, hitting the young woman on the head.
Emergency services were called and rushed to the scene, despite the site’s difficult access. However, by the time they arrived, the victim was without vital signs.
Her dead body was taken to the Piaui state capital of Teresina to be autopsied. According to local media, the police will investigate the case.
Bruna worked as a tutor at her family home where she lived with her parents in Jose de Freitas. She was a practising evangelical Christian.
The babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) is the predominant species in the Maranhao Babacu forests of the neighbouring north-eastern Brazilian states of Maranhao and Piaui.
Its stems are used for timber.
Details of Bruna’s funeral are unknown.
