TAIPEI - A 2,800-year-old tree fell on Sunday (Sept 11) at a nature park in Nantou, Taiwan, injuring three visitors, reports said.

The Formosan cypress, known as a "divine tree" to the Taiwanese, is a landmark at the Xitou Nature Education Area in Nantou County.

A witness said it toppled slowly and landed on a resting area for visitors. The incident occurred at about 1pm.

A 49-year-old woman, surnamed Chen, hurt her spine and was unable to walk shortly after the accident. A 68-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man also suffered minor injuries.

All three were sent to Chu Shang Show Chwan Hospital, said The China Post.

Mr Chung Li-chan, head of the Xitou Nature Education Area, said several days of rain had probably weakened the soil, and many of the ancient tree's roots had rotted, Taiwan's PTS News Network reported.