12 people injured by falling tree during Diablo Valley College's commencement: school

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. -- About a dozen people were injured at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill on Friday evening when a tree fell near where the college's commencement ceremony was taking place, school officials said.

The fallen tree was reported shortly before 7 p.m. adjacent to the football field and hit bystanders who were watching the ceremony, DVC officials said in a statement on social media.

Two people were transported to hospitals for treatment while the others were released at the scene, though school officials said one other person went to a hospital on their own accord as a result of the fallen tree.

"Our thoughts are with all individuals and families affected by this incident, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery," the DVC statement said. "The safety of our students, employees and visitors to our campus is our top priority. We deeply regret that this incident occurred during this milestone occasion."

Crews began removing the tree and are investigating what caused the tree to fall, according to DVC.

The community college located on Golf Club Road in Pleasant Hill said there were 2,442 graduates being celebrated at Friday's ceremony.