A cop was killed after a Christmas tree toppled over and crushed him at a festive tree lighting.
Police officer Kevin Andrés Navas, only 19, was working the yuletide event when tragedy struck.
The giant metal tree, standing at 98 feet tall, fell over and crushed Navas.
Dozens of people rushed over to help lift the massive structure off him, but it was too late.
He was taken to the hospital in a critical state and died from his injuries.
A frightening video captured the chaotic scene, with loud screams filling the air as bystanders rushed to help the young police officer. However, the massive metal tree proved to be extremely challenging to move because of its sheer size.
For a brief moment, the decoration was lifted, but only darkness could be seen underneath the tree.
Cranes and machinery set up the Christmas tree, which had a metal star on top.
The festive event took place on December 11 at Bolivar Park, which is in Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia.
Navas was the only person injured at the terrifying scene.
The upper part of the tree broke, causing the entire thing to collapse, witnesses reported.
Other people in the park at the time said they heard a disturbing sound as the structure fell.
Eventgoers ran out of the way to dodge the falling tower as it dropped to the ground.
The mayor’s office is reportedly investigating if anyone is responsible for leaving the tree unsecured.
Mayor Salomón Said Arias vowed to find out why security measures didn’t prevent the fall.
Arias has called for areas to extensively check that figures, lights, and wiring comply with all safety guidelines.
It’s a fact that fills me with deep sorrow at a time when we have wanted to bring all the Girardot residents and tourists happiness and a message of unity.”
Salomón Said Arias
“I deeply regret the passing of Kevin Andres Navas, [the] assistant police officer who was supporting security work in the Bolivar Park in Girardot when the accident with the structure of the Christmas tree occurred,” Arias said.
“I sympathize with his family, his relatives, and the police. I accompany them in their sorrow.
“It’s a fact that fills me with deep sorrow at a time when we have wanted to bring all the Girardot residents and tourists happiness and a message of unity.”
The mayor demanded that Iamsa, the company that has run the city’s tree lighting for 18 years, give a detailed report of what happened.
“I have requested the removal of the tree and the review of all structures that have been installed in our municipality to ensure that all figures, lights and wiring are in accordance with the rule,” Arias said.
He added, “I will also ask the supervisory, control and surveillance entities to initiate investigations to determine whether there are disciplinary, prosecutor or criminal motives in these events.”
