Diest – On August 19, 2025, a large tree at Warandepark in Diest fell onto the Annendael healthcare campus, resulting in damage to the exterior. There were no reported injuries. Mayor Geert Cluckers attributed the incident to ongoing drought conditions, prompting inspections of both park and citadel trees, reports 24brussels.
This morning, in the province of Flemish Brabant, a significant tree fractured into two sections at the edge of Warandepark, with the upper part collapsing onto the Annendael healthcare campus and damaging its outer wall. Authorities and campus staff swiftly secured the area and began debris removal amidst rising concerns about safety and potential harm to nearby structures.
What caused the tree to collapse at Warandepark in Diest
Experts suggest that the tree’s failure was primarily due to the prolonged drought affecting the region. Mayor Cluckers noted that all deciduous trees in the park require more water to remain healthy and stable. He stated, “Deciduous trees simply need water,” emphasizing the risks posed by dry conditions over extended periods that can compromise tree stability.
In light of this event, city officials have initiated a comprehensive inspection of all trees within Warandepark to identify those at potential risk. The municipality is collaborating with a professional tree surgeon to monitor the health of green spaces across Diest, which includes evaluating soil moisture, checking for weakened branches, and implementing preventive measures where necessary.
“We’re not only monitoring Warandepark, but also regularly examining the trees on the citadel,”
said the mayor.
A comparable incident occurred on December 21, 2023, when a 20-meter-tall Christmas tree fell in Oudenaarde amid severe winds from Storm Pia, tragically resulting in the death of a 63-year-old woman and injuring two others. This incident led to the cancellation of the town’s Christmas market and sparked an investigation into the tree’s stability and safety protocols at the event.
