Henderson Street Chaos as Giant Tree Slams Into Van Packed With Kids

A routine drop-off on a Chicago block turned terrifying in seconds when a massive tree crashed onto a van carrying six children during pounding storms, according to video from the scene.

The footage shows heavy rain and strong gusts blasting the street as the tree suddenly collapses onto the passenger side of the vehicle. From the video alone, it is not immediately clear whether anyone inside was seriously hurt.

Video and Driver Account

Driver Michael McIntosh told CBS News Chicago he was behind the wheel of a van transporting six kids from Riveredge Hospital and had pulled onto Henderson Street to drop one child off when the giant tree came crashing down.

The short clip published by CBS shows bystanders sprinting toward the van in the heavy rain and first responders pulling up as the storm continues to move through the area. The outlet’s video does not include any follow-up details on the conditions of the children or the driver after the impact.

Who the Children Were With

McIntosh said the kids were being transported from Riveredge Hospital, a behavioral health facility based in Forest Park. Riveredge’s website describes it as a free-standing psychiatric hospital that treats children, adolescents, and adults.

The video itself does not include statements from Riveredge officials or from fire and police departments about injuries, follow-up care, or any formal investigation into the incident.

How the City Handles Fallen Trees

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation’s Bureau of Forestry responds to what it classifies as "tree emergency" calls. Crews prioritize clearing large, uprooted, or hanging trees that block streets and sidewalks, especially after major storms.

Residents are urged to report downed or dangerous limbs in the public way through 311 or the CHI311 app so forestry teams can be dispatched. After severe weather, the bureau’s workload can spike, and crews typically focus first on reopening streets and sidewalks before addressing tree damage on private property.

Storms and Chicago's Urban Canopy

Powerful thunderstorms routinely topple entire trees and heavy limbs across the Chicago area, leaving behind splintered trunks, downed lines, and long cleanup efforts, as local broadcasters have highlighted during recent bouts of severe weather.

Reporting from WTTW shows that tree-emergency calls can jump into the hundreds or even thousands after a major wind event. Officials consistently warn residents to stay away from downed trees and any nearby power lines until forestry crews and utility workers declare the area safe.

What To Do If You See Storm Damage

If you witnessed this incident or have video of it, authorities and local news outlets may be interested in what you captured, especially if it helps clarify what happened in those chaotic moments.

For immediate hazards - like a tree on an occupied vehicle, a blocked roadway, or live wires on the ground - call 911 right away. For non-life-threatening situations involving fallen trees or large limbs in the public way, report the exact location through 311 or the CHI311 app so the Bureau of Forestry can add it to its emergency queue.

In short, look, do not touch, and let the professionals handle the chainsaws and power lines.