Tree Crashes Into Westbury Home Monday Night, Cats Still Trapped

WESTBURY, NY — A Westbury home was struck by a tree late Monday night, and Long Island animal rescuer John DeBacker said there are still cats trapped inside.

According to DeBacker, nine cats were rescued on Monday evening, but there were still dozens inside.

Town of North Hempstead Public Information Officer Umberto Mignardi issued a statement on the incident:

"The Town's Building Department has inspected the property and determined that the structure is unsafe to occupy. Given the extent of the damage, entering the home before its structural stability has been evaluated could put lives at risk. The Town is awaiting an engineer’s report from the homeowners to determine the condition and stability of the structure and what, if any, access can safely be provided."

DeBacker shared footage of the interior and exterior of the house, which showed extensive debris.

"When I got there, the area was flooded with police, fire, and emergency vehicles," DeBacker said.

He added that he was given "a chance to secure some cats" and, once inside, went to the room that the tree hit to check for survivors and found a few hiding under the bed.

After pulling nine cats out, DeBacker said the house was evacuated, and shortly after, "part of the wall collapsed in."

When he was there, DeBacker said he did not find any deceased cats.

This is a developing story.