Pair injured by falling tree branch near Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne

Two people have been struck by a falling tree branch and seriously injured as they left the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

A woman and two men were walking down the steps towards St Kilda Rd when the branch fell just before 1.30pm on Tuesday.

The woman, aged 57, was treated for upper body injuries and was transported to the Alfred Hospital in a serious condition, Ambulance Victoria said.

A 21-year-old male was treated for lower body injuries and taken to the same hospital in a stable condition.

The second man, aged 56, escaped with just a few scratches and did not require emergency treatment.

Fire Rescue Victoria arrived to find “there was no one trapped but multiple injured patients”.

FRV helped paramedics safely move the hurt pair and SES were called to cut up the tree.

It is understood the trio was visiting from Sydney.

One person walking through the area after the incident believed recent winds could be to blame for triggering the branch fall.

“We were not far behind them so we’re counting our lucky stars that we weren’t there,” she told 7NEWS.

“There was no wind so it must have been from the wind from days ago - we’ve had quite a bit.

“Hopefully our rangers might have a look up - I wouldn’t want any more of these coming down.”

The City of Melbourne said its “thoughts are with those injured and their loved ones”.

“The surrounding area has been cordoned off and tree maintenance workers are currently attending the site to assess the tree,” a spokesperson said.

“The nearby New Year’s Eve Celebration Zone is unaffected and the remainder of the gardens will continue to be open this evening.

“As this incident is currently being investigated, we are unable to comment further at this time.”