Massive gum tree crushes cars, brings down power lines in Clareville
Three cars were crushed and power lines were brought down after a massive gum tree fell across a carpark outside a northern beaches shopping centre this morning. SEE THE DRAMATIC PICTURES.
- ‘Vital hospital policies not in place for very sick patients’
- Rugby stars hold nippers clinic ahead of Brookie Oval clash
Three cars were crushed and power lines brought down after a massive gum tree fell across a carpark outside a northern beaches shopping centre on Friday morning.
The tree snapped at its base just before 10am at the Clareville Shops in Hilltop Rd, Clareville.
A Toyota mini-van was destroyed while a BMW four-wheel-drive and Honda sedan were badly damaged by the falling gum.
Shoppers scrambled to get out of the way of the downed power lines that were dragged down by the falling trees branches.
Witnesses said the damaged cars were empty at the time.
NSW Ambulance confirmed no people were injured.
A Facebook post suggested the mini-van belonged to a backpacker.
Ausgrid reports it is working to restore power to the small shopping centre that incudes a convenience store, hairdresser and a cafe. Power was expected to be back on by 2pm.
Resident Saskia Zaitzieff, who took photographs of the incident, said it was lucky no one was killed or badly injured.
“The tree is huge,” Ms Zaitzieff said. “It is an amazing sight.”
Northern Beaches Council CEO Ray Brownlee said it was fortunate no one was injured in this incident.
“Initial investigations by Council staff indicate that internal rot at the base of the tree, which was not externally visible, has caused the tree to come down.
“Ausgrid is currently isolating the fallen electrical wires and Council’s contractor will remove the tree once this is complete.
“Council will prioritise the assessment of surrounding trees in the coming days.”
Orgiastic goings-on at Clontarf in the late 1800s
Residents of the up-market harbourside suburb of Clontarf might blanch to learn that 140 years ago, their suburb was synonymous with orgiastic goings-on.
Shock and horror! Big hits, fastest try in Super Rugby W in Waratahs v Drua bash
It was supposed to be a game showcasing the future of the sport but very little went to plan as the Waratahs hosted Fiji Drua in a match where records fell from the first minute of the match.