Lucky escape for pupils

A near fatal tree accident took place at Bedfordview High School after a large tree inside the school grounds collapsed, crashed through the fence and across the road on Thursday, June 5.

The tree fell at around 4pm, damaging the electricity and telephone cables as well, while school children were waiting for transport outside the school.

According to Ms Cheryl Brandon, a resident in the area, “Taxis that provide transport to many of the school children always park in the exact spot where the tree came down. Seconds before the tree came crashing down, these taxis had just pulled off and out of harm’s way.”

“It is a miracle nobody was killed or injured in the incident,” said Ms Brandon.

According to Mr Neville Muller, a resident who lives across the road from the school, “It was a normal afternoon with children waiting, taxis loading children and there wasn’t even a strong wind at the time.”

“I heard a terrible crash and children screaming. I ran outside and found that exactly where taxis were parked seconds before, there was a huge tree lying across the road. Had the tree fallen a few seconds earlier, it would have crashed onto the taxis and the children climbing into them,” said Mr Muller.

“Other children, who were still waiting on the pavement, ran in all directions in shock. Because of the exposed electricity cables, a fire broke out. I was too scared to go and take a look because I was sure the mangled bodies of children would be found under the tree,” said Mr Muller.

Residents in the street came together and, using a chain saw, cut the huge trunk into pieces and dragged it to either side of the road so that cars could pass.