9 killed by fallen tree at cultural site in Indonesia

Nine people lost their lives and eight others were injured when a large tree fell on shelters in Indonesia's South Sulawesi province on Sunday, reported Xinhua.

The accident took place at the Bulu Matanre cultural site in Mattabulu village, Soppeng regency in the province at around 12:30 p.m. local time, as visitors sought refuge from heavy rain and strong winds.

Soppeng Police Chief Muh Yusuf Usman confirmed the casualties in a written statement. "Currently, the number of fatalities is nine people, and eight people were injured," he said, adding that the injured were rushed to a local hospital for treatment.

Violent winds uprooted the old tree, which then fell on small houses where people were taking shelter.

Following the accident, police cordoned off the site and commenced evacuation efforts.