Tree Falls on Home in Queens, High Winds Possibly to Blame; No Injuries Reported

A Dramatic Morning in East Elmhurst

A massive tree fell on a house in East Elmhurst, Queens, early Monday morning, causing extensive damage and leaving a trail of debris in its wake. The incident occurred around 6 a.m. and was likely caused by strong winds that swept through the area.

The Scene of the Incident

The quiet neighborhood where the tree fell is about a mile away from LaGuardia airport. The strong winds overnight and into the morning lifted the tree out of its roots, causing it to crash onto the nearby home. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

Extensive Damage and Evacuation

The Department of Buildings (DOB) was quick to respond to the incident, placing a sign on the front door of the damaged home instructing its residents to leave the property due to the extent of the damage. Inspectors deemed the house not safe to occupy, citing structural damage to a 10-by-10 foot section of the roof, which caused a partial ceiling collapse.

Neighbor’s Harrowing Experience

The incident also caused minor damage to the house next door, which was shaken by the tree’s fall. The homeowner, Mohammad Islam, described the scary situation when the tree crashed onto his neighbor’s rooftop.

"’Like around 6, 6:30 in the morning there was a very large noise, a very large bang," he said. "I didn’t realize it because I guess the tree fell more on that house than mine. The Fire Department came after… they knocked on my door, I came out and saw the tree.’"

High Winds and Concerns

High winds have been a concern in the tri-state area on Monday, and this incident may be a result of the strong gusts. The incident serves as a reminder to homeowners to be prepared for severe weather and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their property.

Conclusion

The incident is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for unexpected events. We are grateful that no one was injured in this incident, and we hope that the residents of the affected home can soon return to their normal routine.

FAQs

• What caused the tree to fall?
  The strong winds that swept through the area overnight and into the morning are believed to have caused the tree to fall.
• Was anyone injured in the incident?
  No, miraculously, no one was injured in the incident.
• What was the extent of the damage?
  The tree fell onto the roof of the home, causing extensive structural damage to a 10-by-10 foot section of the roof, which resulted in a partial ceiling collapse. Minor damage was also reported to the adjacent home.