Tots’ tree miracle: escape falling oak
Published: June 8, 2005
Two toddlers had a very close call with a massive oak tree yesterday while playing in the backyard of their babysitter’s home.
The two boys, 19-month-old Jack and 21-month-old Lucas, were playing in the backyard of 606 Beresford Ave., just north of Annette St., around 11 a.m. yesterday when a massive oak tree in a neighbouring yard came crashing down.
The sprawling branches and leaves of the very old tree covered three backyards in the Jane and Dundas Sts. neighbourhood, breaking fences and landscaping as it fell, but somehow missed the two boys.
‘IT WAS MIRACULOUS’
They were surrounded by branches and leaves when the tree fell. They were shaken up but escaped injury.
“It was miraculous that the tree didn’t injure them badly,” said Staff-Sgt. Mark Tilley. “They were very lucky.”
Lucas’ mom, Ann, said she was thankful the babies weren’t hurt.
“They’re fine, but tired. It’s time for a nap,” she said, refusing to give her last name. “Thank God everything’s okay.”
Neighbour Natasha Ksonzek said she ran outside when she heard the tree cracking very loudly.
Moments later, she heard it snap and the kids screaming from next door.
“We thought they were trapped under it,” she said.
“It’s amazing that it didn’t hit them.”
City councillor Bill Saundercook, who lives in the area, said the tree was so large he guessed it was about 100 years old.
COUNCILLOR BLAMES CITY
“I can’t wrap my arms around it,” he said, adding it should be up to the city to maintain its large, old trees to prevent accidents like this from happening.
“We are going to have to take the lead to ensure they are healthy trees. These children are extremely lucky.”
The woman who was caring for the children was in the yard with them at the time the tree fell. She also escaped injury, but a man in the yard didn’t. He suffered a cut to the head that required minor treatment at a hospital.
If you enjoyed this good news Subscribe to Good News Blog
Share this
To share this simply copy and paste one of the below URL's: