A Mighty Pine Tree Collapses, Damaging a Monrovia Home and Narrowly Missing Residents
In a terrifying incident, a towering pine tree toppled over and crashed into a Monrovia home, entrapment of occupants and causing significant damage. The incident occurred at around 7 p.m. on Wednesday night, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood.
The Terrifying Sequence of Events
Shelly, the home’s renter, described the moment the tree uprooted as similar to a bomb exploding. She was immediately enveloped in a thick blanket of dust, leaving her stunned and terrified.
The tree’s massive trunk smashed into the home’s roof, crushing most of the front portion of the structure. The surrounding fence was torn from the ground, hoisted several feet into the air as the colossal tree roots were fully exposed.
Narrow Escape for Trapped Occupants
Inside the home, two people and two dogs were trapped. Fortunately, a piece of furniture shielded one of the residents from serious injury. With quick thinking, the occupants managed to turn off gas lines and, with assistance from firefighters, escaped through the home’s back entrance.
Despite the traumatic experience, the residents expressed gratitude that no one sustained life-threatening injuries.
Community Concerns and Unanswered Questions
The incident has raised concerns among Monrovia residents about the safety of the area’s many mature pine trees. The collapse occurred on a calm evening, with no apparent inciting factor like strong winds or heavy rain.
“It’s sad and a little scary,” said neighbor Chris Higgins. “We have a large tree right next to our home, and we never thought it could fall like this.”
Investigation and Red-Tagging
City inspectors have deemed the damaged home unsafe, marking it with a red tag. Investigators are working diligently to determine the exact cause of the tree’s collapse. It remains unclear whether mismanagement or other factors may have contributed to the incident.
As the community reels from this startling event, they await the results of the investigation and hope for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
