RESIDENTS in a block in Glenwood have commended the municipality for their swift response after a tree fell at the intersection of Helen Joseph and Lena Ahrens Road last week, blocking the roadway.
Katie Smit, resident of Benzelia, said just after 4am residents in the block were woken by a loud bang which she said sounded like a bomb had gone off.
“Our blinds were slightly open and as soon as I opened my eyes I saw what looked like fireworks going off across the road from us. This was accompanied by a succession of loud bangs. We honestly thought the world was coming to an end, it was so loud!” she said.
ALSO READ: Rhino beetles destroy trees in Bulwer
She said while looking out the window she saw a truck coming to a halt just before the intersection. It was pitch dark outside but she soon realised half of a tree had collapsed onto the truck and consequently had taken out electrical cables.
“It woke up most of the residents at the top of Helen Joseph Road and many started trickling out to find out if the driver was okay. Only a miracle saved that driver! CCTV footage showed a container on the back of the truck caught the tree as it was driving past and the tree snapped and fell down,” she said.
Katie said first on the scene was a SAPS member who called the Fire Department as well as Netcare911 for help. Both arrived within a few minutes and gave the all clear.
“Just before 7am the Parks Department, eThekwini Electricity and Metro arrived to help clear the road and remove the fallen tree, fix the electrical cables and help ease the flow of traffic as the robots were out. We must commend the municipality for the excellent level of service given to the Glenwood community that morning! By 7.45am all was clear,” she said.
Do you want to receive news alerts on this and many other stories relevant to the Durban area via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
