Two injured in St Ann’s accident

Residents and workers in the Forestry Divison, under the supervision of the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA), were up to press time yesterday clearing the debris from the massive mango tree which fell.

Residents said while they are still trying to find out the total estimation of the damage that was incurred, they are thankful that no one died in the accident.

“Things could have been much worse,” said residents yesterday, “We are just thanking God that everyone was alive. I am not sure if they will, but I hope that the NWRHA or someone could compensate us for the damage.” Velma Pierre, one of the residents in the yard, told Newsday that the family was preparing the area where the tree fell for the wake of another relative who died recently.

Minutes before the tree fell, they were called by a member of staff from the St Ann’s hospital, and told that they heard one of the trees cracking.

At about 8.30 pm on Thursday, the tree fell across the wall and into the neighbouring yard, bringing down the wall and power lines along with it. The tree damaged the roof of the house, as well as three vehicles parked in the roadway.

Two people sustained minor injuries as the tree came down.

Newsday was told that one of the injured was trapped between the fallen tree and a light pole. Emergency services were called and employees of TTEC cleared the debris and the pole to free the person.

The two people were both examined by medical personnel at the St Ann’s Hospital and transferred to the Port of Spain General Hospital. Both suffered minor injuries.

Officials at the NWRHA believe the tree, along with others on the compound, had been compromised since the passing of Tropical Storm Bret.

According to a release sent to the media yesterday, all potentially hazardous trees will be removed. It is not known if the NWRHA would compensate residents for the damage which occured