Three elderly men escape injury after falling tree destroys house in Whittier

51093-SW27-TREE-thumb-300x199-51092.jpg
WHITTIER — Three elderly men were lucky to escape unhurt after a massive pine tree fell on and severely damaged their house, officials said.
The incident was reported just before 1 a.m. in the 13100 block of Walnut Street, at Washington Avenue, Whittier police Lt. Carlos Solorza said.
It was unclear what caused the tree, which was owned by the city, to fall, though it may be related to the recent heavy rains, the lieutenant said.
“On the way down it knocked down some power wires, then came down on the house,” Solorza said.
Three elderly residents of the home were inside, but none were hurt, he added.
“They were lucky to escape injury,” he said.
The tree, which was more than 50 feet tall, remained entangled with the home Saturday afternoon, as passers-by slowed to take pictures of the unusual sight.
About 50 percent of the home was destroyed, Solorza said.
The home was red-tagged and the residents found other temporary lodgings, officials said.
PHOTO by Eric Reed, Staff
Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email