A late-morning drive in North Miami turned terrifying on Friday when a large tree came crashing down onto a Range Rover, crushing the SUV and sending a man to a nearby trauma center.
The tree came down at about 11:30 a.m. near North Miami Avenue and 125th Street, where a mature trunk split in half and landed squarely on the vehicle. Video from the scene shows the Range Rover smashed under the weight of the broken tree as North Miami police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews worked around the wreckage and started clearing debris.
According to Local 10, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said the tree fell "due to severe weather," and medics rushed the man from the SUV to a local trauma center. Video from the scene shows the trunk snapped and the luxury SUV heavily damaged while officers continued their investigation. Authorities did not immediately release further information on the man's condition.
Storm Gusts Can Snap Mature Trees
Fast-hitting South Florida storms can bring more than just a quick soaking. Sudden straight-line wind gusts and severe thunderstorms are strong enough to break off big limbs or even topple entire trees. The National Weather Service notes that wind at those speeds "is able to break off large branches, knock over trees or cause structural damage."
Those quick, intense summer downpours that roll through on otherwise normal afternoons can pack a punch, with localized damaging winds and heavy rain turning an ordinary block into a cleanup zone in minutes.
Who To Call About Downed Trees
The City of North Miami’s Public Works department encourages residents to submit a tree service request so crews can check out potentially dangerous trees in public areas. Through its online form, the City of North Miami explains that it does not work on trees located on private property and that non-urgent requests are handled on a rotating schedule.
For bigger jobs that involve removals, residents are directed to a landscape and tree-removal permit, which lays out permit rules and replacement requirements. Those details are available from the City of North Miami.
Safety Tips After A Tree Comes Down
After a tree falls, especially during or right after a storm, it is safer to keep your distance. Stay away from damaged or leaning trees and steer clear of any downed wires. The National Weather Service warns that strong winds and falling limbs can leave behind unstable branches and hidden hazards.
If someone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Downed power lines should be reported to your electric utility, and residents can alert the city’s public works office about blocked streets or large tree debris that may need removal.
North Miami police remained on scene Friday as they continued to investigate. As reported by Local 10, officials had not provided any additional update on the man's condition as of early Friday afternoon.
