Refer China: Professor Killed by Fallen Tree on Campus, Tsinghua Responds

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Tsinghua University Responds After Professor Killed by Fallen Tree on Campus

The tragic death of Professor Zhang Ailing from Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) has drawn significant public concern. Zhang was fatally struck by a falling tree on the campus of Tsinghua University on June 15. The incident occurred during unauthorized tree removal work conducted by an off-campus landscaping company.

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Tsinghua University released an official statement on June 20, confirming that the accident happened around 5:00 p.m. near the university's Welding Laboratory. A subcontracted company was carrying out dead tree removal without proper authorization.

During the operation, a tree fell and struck Zhang Ailing, who was riding a bicycle through the area. She was immediately taken to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries despite emergency efforts.

Eyewitnesses told media that Zhang's daughter was present at the scene and witnessed the accident. They also noted the lack of proper safety measures at the site, stating that there were no warning barricades—only a single construction notice sign.

Zhang Ailing, born in 1967, was the head of the Department of International Economics and Trade at BLCU. She had over 30 years of experience in higher education and was recognized for her outstanding mentorship just weeks before the tragedy. She was 58 at the time of her passing.

The landscaping company involved—Beijing Lyujinghua Ecological Landscaping Co., Ltd.—had been contracted to manage Tsinghua's campus greenery. According to procurement records from February 2024, the company won a bid for campus maintenance services.

Public data shows the firm has been involved in multiple legal cases. A company employee confirmed their role in tree maintenance but stated that the incident was being handled by another department, and they were not informed of the ongoing developments.

Tsinghua University expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to Zhang's family, pledging full cooperation with government investigators. The university has established a special working group, launched an internal accountability process, and begun a comprehensive review of campus safety protocols to prevent future incidents.

Source: 大河报, 环球时报