Twelve-day-old infant dies after avocado falls on head in Quilmes

A 12-day-old infant named Lucas has died following a tragic accident in Quilmes, Buenos Aires, where an avocado fell from a tree and struck his head. The incident occurred outside Jardín de Infantes N.º 949, located at the intersection of Conesa and Mitre streets. The baby was in his mother’s arms while she waited for his five-year-old sibling to exit the school when the fruit detached unexpectedly from a nearby tree.

The impact caused severe cranial fractures and internal hemorrhages. Lucas was immediately transported to Sanatorio de la Trinidad, where he underwent emergency surgery and remained in intensive care. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. His mother clarified that it was specifically an avocado, not a branch, that caused the trauma, noting that the trees in the area produce fruits weighing over one kilogram.

The case has sparked significant community concern regarding urban safety. The mother reported prior complaints about the condition of the trees, stating that municipal workers performed pruning only after the tragedy. In response, the Municipality of Quilmes stated that the trees were in good condition and the fruit fell naturally. However, neighbors confirmed that municipal crews did conduct cutting tasks at the site following the event.

Judicial authorities have intervened through Unidad Funcional de Instrucción y Juicio Número 9 (UFIJ N.º 9). The case has been formally categorized as "lesiones culposas" (negligent injury), with experts ordered to assess the circumstances. This fatal accident highlights ongoing tensions between municipal maintenance protocols and resident safety concerns in high-traffic educational zones.