‘The damage is already done’: tree smashes into motel room and neighbouring home

Two people were inside when a tree collapsed on a Toowoomba home and motel room as high winds from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred battered the city.

A Toowoomba home has been left in ruins after a tree collapsed into it on Saturday night, while a man was inside.

The home, and a room in the motel next door, were both severely damaged by the incident.

Luckily the man and motel guest both made it out safely.

Motel Glenworth owner Natasha Krahenbring said the man next door was lucky to be alive after having to crawl out of his bedroom at about 10.30pm Saturday.

“Their whole house is gone, it’s going to be completely trashed,” she said.

Ms Krahenbring said the staff at the motel called the police immediately after the incident, thinking the man was stuck inside.

Motel Glenworth, the house next door on Margaret St and a car were damaged when a large tree was brought down in the aftermath of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, Monday, March 10, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The guest staying in the affected motel room also narrowly missed the tree, which luckily struck the opposite side of the room.

After two hours on hold with SES, Ms Krahenbring was told they did not help with commercial buildings.

She said she was disappointed they were left to deal with the situation on their own.

Ms Krahenbring said if the SES had been able to put a tarp over the damaged roof, they would have only had minor damage.

She now expects it will take at least three months to repair.

Motel Glenworth, the house next door on Margaret St and a car were damaged when a large tree was brought down in the aftermath of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, Monday, March 10, 2025. Workers from 81Plumb tarp the area and make the scene safe. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“The damage is already done, and the roof is seeping in,” she said.

“It’s now gone inside and obviously water travels, so now the whole ceiling’s gone.”

Ms Krahenbring said she was disappointed there was not enough support for business owners in an emergency.

“We are lucky enough to have some tradies on our side,” she said.

“They risked their lives, and they aren’t trained to do this but they’ve gone out there and put a tarp over it.”

A Margaret St home was damaged when a large tree was brought down in the aftermath of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred. Picture: Supplied