Bryant Park tree falls, injures several people

NEW YORK - A tree in Bryant Park broke in half and fell on several people Friday afternoon. Five people were hurt, according to the FDNY. Medics and firefighters responded. Medics wheeled away several people on stretchers. They were taken to Bellevue Hospital Center. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening, the FDNY said. 

Witnesses tweeted that the incident happened on the south side of the park at about 4 p.m. The top of the tree came crashing down, leaving the bottom park of the trunk still standing. [PHOTOS: TREE BREAKS]

After the injured were helped, police officers could be seen sawing up the fallen portion of the tree.

The New York City Parks and Recreation Department issued a statement saying it will investigate why the tree broke.

Our thoughts are with the individuals injured in this unfortunate accident, and we wish them a speedy recovery," the statement said.

The city owns Bryant Park, but for more than 20 years the Bryant Park Corporation has managed the park and is responsible for maintaining trees.