Oakland family nearly struck by large fallen tree
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- It was quite a wake-up call for an Oakland family during the rainy, windy weather Friday morning. A tree fell right into a bedroom where they and their baby were sleeping moments earlier.
Residents of the apartment complex say this is the second time this year a tree has fallen. They're calling on the city to step up to prevent future accidents, before someone gets seriously hurt.
VIDEO: Oakland tenants not surprised tree fell on apartment
"Luckily no one was hurt this time," said Tony Wagner, Oakland resident.
Wagner says the eucalyptus trees in his neighborhood are beautiful to look at, but he considers them to be a liability. And rightfully so, he and his wife and two-week-old baby, had a close call when one of the huge trees toppled over onto their bedroom during the overnight storm.
"I heard thunder, realized it was something bigger than that, went to try and cover both of them up," said Wagner.
The tree ended up crushing the awning barely missing Wagner's bedroom window. Other residents heard it too at 3 a.m.
"It was a loud roar and a big thump shook you a little bit," said Connie Reddick, Oakland resident.
Residents at the Fairmount Terrace Complex are demanding the city take action adding that this is the second time this has happened and they fear it won't be the last.
"With the drought we know the dangers eucalyptus trees pose -- with torrential rain and wind damage. They pose huge security and safety issue," said Wagner.
"We talked about it number of times what's happening back there, but the property management said they talked to city of Oakland and they don't respond," said Connie Reddick, resident.
Wagner is now weighing his options, hoping they don't have to move out.
"I don't know where we will stay as you know, with market prices here are not the best. We will see what happens," said Wagner.
The city's department of public works has been looking at the damage and trying to figure out the best way to remove the tree. A spokesperson for the department said it does its best to inspect and maintain its 2,000 trees throughout the city with a limited crew.
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