Montclair Official On Tree That Crushed Woman’s Car: ‘It Happens’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A Montclair official has described an incident involving a humongous, fallen tree that smashed a local woman’s car while she was still inside as an uncommon – but not unheard of – part of suburban life.

On May 17, a large oak tree “appeared to fall on its own,” crashing into a woman’s car as she drove on Bellevue Avenue in Montclair, CBS2 reported.

According to the Montclair Police Department, the tree landed on five vehicles, including a 63-year-old local woman’s car.

Emergency responders had to extract the woman from her car; she was taken to the hospital and treated for head, neck and shoulder pain, authorities stated.

Montclair Deputy Fire Chief Robert Duncan told Patch last week that the incident could have just as easily happened in almost any other nearby town.

Duncan added that residents shouldn’t be worried about any undue public safety risk posed by nearby trees in the area.

“It was a nice day out… the tree fell down,” Duncan said when asked about the possible cause for the collapse. “Things happen, and yes, it can happen anywhere, not just in Montclair.”

Duncan added that the incident took place on a road maintained by Essex County.

• See related article: Tree Crashed On Woman's Car While She Drove In Montclair (Video)

The Montclair Fire Department issued a previous statement about the incident.

"Around 7 p.m., a passerby reported that a tree had fallen across Bellevue Avenue to firefighters at Station 2 on Valley Road. Upon the arrival of Montclair Truck 2, a vehicle with one passenger was found under the fallen tree. Truck 2 requested additional fire units respond as well as the Montclair Ambulance Unit and Police Department."

Fire officials continued:

"The passenger of the vehicle was unable to exit the vehicle. She was removed by [firefighters] through the passenger side of the vehicle. The victim was turned over to EMS."

Fire officials commented on the damage:

"The scene was secured and no other injuries were reported. Numerous cars were damaged. There was also damage to the awning and outside lights of Tinga's Restaurant. A PSE&G gas curb box was also displaced when the tree uprooted. PSE&G gas responded to the scene and checked for gas leaks in the street and the basements in the area. No leaks were found."

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Photos: Montclair Fire Department

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