TV News Crew Seriously Hurt When Tree Topples Over

Reporter and photographer were hurt during El Nino-fueled storms

A reporter and photographer for 10 News, the ABC-affiliate station in San Diego, were seriously injured Monday morning in Mira Mesa when a tree collapsed on top of them as they were covering a story.

Reporter Marie Coronel was seriously injured and required surgery, the station reported on its website. Photographer Mike Gold suffered a compound leg fracture and was in surgery Monday morning, 10 News reported.

The two were out in Mira Mesa, covering wind damage, because several cars had been damaged by fallen trees. They were preparing for a live report when a eucalyptus tree fell on them, the station said in a news release.

The incident happened at about 5 a.m. at Maya Linda Road and Carroll Canyon Road in Mira Mesa.

Gold managed to call 911. The two were taken by ambulance to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla.

In the area where Coronel and Gold were hurt, three eucalyptus trees had fallen down.

“Our hearts here at 10News are with our colleagues today, who were injured this morning when a tree came down on top of them,” 10 News stated on its Facebook page on Monday.

“At this time, our main concern is the health and well-being of our crew in the hospital,” 10 News' station manager Joel Davis said in a statement. “We appreciate the concern of the community and wanted to share what we know about the accident.”

Hundreds were leaving well wishes for the two on Facebook.

Coronel's husband told 10 News that his wife is facing an "extensive recovery period."

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