Policemen crushed by falling tree

JEPARA, Central Java: A 30-meter-high tree toppled in a forested area near Darmolo village, Bangsri district here, killing three policemen on patrol.

The tree, which was 65 centimeters in diameter, fell on a total of nine policemen. Three remain hospitalized.

Local police chief Lt. Col. Monang Manulang identified the fatalities as Sgt. Waluyo, 22, Sgt. Siswoyo, 24, and Sgt. Bambang Riyanto, 24.

The injured policemen are being treated at Kartini Hospital here for head and chest complaints.

"The (tree) roots were already decayed and unstable ... So they could no longer hold a 30-meter tall tree which is about 80 years old," Monang said.

"The men just happened to pass under the tree when it collapsed ... It's a terrible accident."(har/edt)