Narrow Escape as Massive Tree Branch Crashes in Fordham Manor Park

In a heart-stopping incident, a group of children and a mother with a stroller narrowly avoided tragedy when a heavy tree branch suddenly broke off and came crashing down in Fordham Manor's St. James Park. The dramatic event unfolded on a Saturday evening, leaving onlookers shaken but thankful that no one was injured.

A Harrowing Moment Averted by Seconds

Sudden Collapse Sends Families Scrambling for Safety

The incident occurred around 7:56 PM on Saturday, June 22, 2024, in the heart of St. James Park. Witnesses reported that despite the lack of strong winds, a large tree branch suddenly snapped off its trunk and came tumbling down, sending a group of around ten children and a mother with a stroller and two young kids running for their lives. The sudden sound of the branch breaking and the frantic cries of "Run!" from onlookers created a chaotic scene that lasted just 10 seconds, according to eyewitness accounts.One witness, Zoraida Fadean, described the harrowing moments as the mother and her two children, one in a stroller and the other held by the hand, were forced to quickly flee the area. "I thought maybe there was someone under the tree, but there was nobody, thanks be to God," Fadean said. "The family was ok. It was about 50-60 metres [they had to run]."

Temporary Obstruction Buys Precious Time

Another witness, Luljan Ortega, recounted how the branches from nearby trees temporarily slowed the fall of the broken branch, allowing those underneath a few more seconds to escape unharmed. "The paramedics and the ambulance and the police arrived quickly, but nobody was injured," Ortega said. "It's important to say that it's very insecure to pass time in the park."Ortega explained that the fallen branch was partially obstructed by the foliage of other trees, which slightly broke its fall and gave the families just enough time to get out of the way. "From the sound of the first noise of the break, it lasted about 11-12 seconds. Someone shouted to the ten or so kids in that area around the tree, some of whom were in strollers, 'Run! Run!'"

Concerns Raised Over Park's Tree Safety

The incident has raised concerns among park-goers about the overall safety of the trees in St. James Park. One eyewitness, Luljan Ortega, pointed to another tree nearby that appeared "lopsided" and potentially ready to fall, posing a threat to children and families."It's important to say that it's very insecure to pass time in the park," Ortega said. "The branches from the other nearby trees blocked the fall of the broken tree branch and slightly broke its fall to the ground."Another witness, Ivan, echoed these concerns, stating that the incident was "amazing" given the number of people in the park at the time. "It was amazing [nobody was injured] with all the people who had been here playing and coming to the park and with this tree branch that is so big," he said.The Norwood News has reached out to the Parks Department for comment on the incident and the overall condition of the trees in St. James Park, and will update the story upon receiving a response.