Russell Island boy escapes disaster after deadly tree crashes into van

A sleeping boy escaped injury when a tree crushed his caravan on Russell Island, missing him by millimetres, during Cyclone Alfred.

Shops are shut but undercover free car parks are full across Redland. Picture: Judith Kerr

A boy miraculously survived after a tree crushed a van on Russell Island this week.

The young boy was asleep in the front of the van but escaped serious injury after the tree crushed the roof, missing the sleeping boy by millimetres.

Redland City councillor Tracy Huges said the terrifying incident occurred in strong winds and could have ended in tragedy.

“It’s always frustrating and difficult for authorities when people are living in caravans especially on the islands,” Cr Huges said.

“The young boy, who was asleep in the front at the time, was rescued from the wreckage unhurt and is fine now but it caused disruption because it crushed the parked vehicle.”

Queensland Police were not called to the incident.

Redland residents have been urged to report unstable trees with many avoiding increasing car insurance by parking in free undercover shopping centre carparks.

The caravan was wiped out.

Redland Bay Woolworths undercover car park is chockers with every spot taken even though the store upstairs remains closed.

Car owners in the bayside suburb have parked for free in the undercover area to take shelter from any onshore winds and rain from Cyclone Alfred.

Redland Bay shoppers have to venture out to Mount Cotton for groceries, bread and milk.

Woolworths is unlikely to reopen today.

The central Coles in Cleveland closed its door at 10am, leaving IGA at Cleveland the only grocer open in the suburb.

IGA at Mount Cotton continues to stock bread and milk and toilet paper.

Woolworths at Victoria Point East will remain open but Woolworths west side will remain shut.

Trees at low tide at Cleveland Point on Friday were bending from the south-westerly wind gusts. Picture: JUDITH KERR

Trees were bending in the wind at low tide at Cleveland Point where people are still jogging along the esplanade as the rain pours down.

The 1m low tide at The Point is expected to rise to 2.3m at the high tide at 4.15am tomorrow when a tidal surge event could occur.

The next high tide at Cleveland is at 3.36pm and will be 1.6m.

The front gate at Cleveland District State High remains locked with those seeking refuge forced to call the local council for the key to get into the shelter. Picture: JUDITH KERR

The Redland City Council refuge centre in Cleveland at Cleveland District State High School remain locked, despite one person staying there overnight and one person staying at the refuge on Russell Island.

Those seeking refuge in Cleveland have to obtain a key from the council.

Originally published as Russell Island boy escapes disaster after deadly tree crashes into van