Zootastic visitor recalls chaos after large tree fell on wagon

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Some people are still recovering from severe injuries suffered in a wagon accident at Zootastic in Iredell County two weeks ago.

A large tree toppled onto the covered wagon during a stop to feed animals, pinning people inside.

[READ MORE: Multiple injuries after massive tree crashes on wagon at Zootastic]

Nathan Born described the moment when a fun family trip to Zootastic turned dangerous at the animal park on April 14.

“I just heard the screaming children there while there was sort of chaos,” he said. “No one really knew what to do.”

Born’s foster son suffered a broken femur and fractured head and hand, while his daughter had head and neck injuries.

He and his wife have concussions and bruises.

They are all out of the hospital, but they're worried about the safety of others.

“It's a large wooded area. I would be concerned that other riders could be impacted driving by on that ride,” Born said.

He wants an arborist to inspect the property.

“If that soil is soggy and those roots are rotted, there's potential that another tree could fall,” he said.

The owner of Zootastic said he thinks it was a freak accident, adding that a tree has never fallen at the park before. He said the insurance company has taken over and is sending out an arborist on Tuesday morning.

He said he has not been able to contact the victims directly because HIPPAA rules are preventing the hospital from giving out their information.

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