Family’s fears as gum tree slams through Redland Bay home during Cyclone Alfred

There was a loud bang then the house shuddered as a huge tree came through this Redland Bay home during Alfred’s chaos. As water and debris started flying inside, the owners raced toward the danger, fearing their kids had been crushed.

A Redland Bay family escaped with their lives but not their house after a 60m gum tree slammed through their roof in the middle of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Refrigeration mechanic Greg Jessiman and wife Hayley were asleep Friday night when a massive bang woke them as their two-storey house shuddered.

Greg Jessiman and wife Hayley were asleep on Friday night when a massive bang woke them as their two-storey house shuddered.

“My wife heard it first and she rushed into the lounge, terrified it had struck my sons’ bedrooms,” Mr Jessiman said

“My wife initially thought the worst, that it had crushed the kids’ bedrooms and then the rain and wind started gushing through the hole in the roof.

“I had to use a mattress to block off the wind and debris blowing through the house because of the cyclone.

The 60m tree came down Friday night a Alfred was still approaching as a cyclone.

“It was terrifying because our house is a street back from the bay and the wind gusts were very strong.

“We had no lights, power, reception or internet.

“I was in shock but at least we were alive.

“This is a wake-up call for any property which has a drainage easement that runs underneath a big gum tree.”

The Redland Bay area copped rough weather both Friday and Saturday night.

Mr Jessiman called for all local governments to investigate employing arborists to help residents with large problem trees.

For now, the family has been forced to move out of the property to stay with family as the home is unliveable, with water coming out of electric wall sockets and the floor buckling.

Insurance assessors from Suncorp will visit the property on Wednesday.

A tree down on West Mt Cotton Road in Redlands during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Photo: Supplied.

The family is hoping the insurer will be able to rebuild the house quickly as the couple both work full-time in Redlands so are keen to stay close.

Powerlines and a tree down at Giles Road, Redland Bay on Saturday. Picture: Richard Walker

Originally published as Family’s fears as gum tree slams through Redland Bay home during Cyclone Alfred