Young campers killed by falling branch in California's Yosemite

Yosemite National Park in California, where two young campers died. AFP

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Two young campers died early on Friday in California's Yosemite National Park when a huge tree branch fell on their tent, officials announced.

The massive oak tree branch crashed into the tent around shortly before dawn, killing the two minors, park officials said.

The youths had been staying at the centrally located Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley.

"Our thoughts are with the families as they grieve this tragedy," park superintendent Don Neubacher said in the statement.

The names, ages and hometowns of the campers were not released.

Yosemite National Park, located in northern California's Sierra Nevada mountains, is the third-most visited of the US' national parks and one of the oldest.

The website of nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park warns, that "trees and branches have been falling more frequently, possibly due to the drought and beetle damage. Watch for falling trees!"

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.