‘Close shave’ for residents as birch tree collapses onto car in Crawford Square

Name: ‘Close shave’ for residents as birch tree collapses onto car in Crawford Square
Uploaded: 2023-06-09T11:59:01.000Z
Duration: 72 s
Description: ‘Close shave’ for residents as birch tree collapses onto car in Crawford Square

An old birch tree collapsed on top of a car blocking the north eastern end of Crawford Square on Thursday evening.

By Kevin Mullan

Published 9th Jun 2023, 12:59 BST

Updated 9th Jun 2023, 13:00 BST

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Foyle MLA Mark H. Durkan described it as ‘a close shave for Crawford Square residents, whose homes escaped major damage’ when the tree fell.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) moved quickly to clear the road, which is open to traffic as normal.

The tree fell outwards from the 19th century one acre park in the centre of the square.

What caused its collapse is unclear, however, heat stress can cause old or diseased trees to fall during prolonged hot weather.

Mark H. Durkan Foyle MLA Department for Infrastructure