Tree lays along U.S. Highway 12 after roadway is cleared. / Courtesy photo by Bill Serrahn
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Two people were injured when a large tree fell onto their van as they were headed through Packwood on U.S. Highway 12 today.
Troopers called to the scene about 1:45 p.m. report the 2007 Honda Odyssey minivan was totaled.
John E. Lange, 45, and his passenger Stephanie C. Lee, 39, both from Olympia, were transported to Morton General Hospital, according to the Washington State Patrol.
It happened near near Skate Creek Road. The pair had been traveling westbound, according to the state patrol.
Photos shared by a Packwood area resident show what appears to be a cottonwood laying along the roadway and the van with a crushed roof.
The van was impounded to Beslow’s Towing, according to the patrol.
The state Department of Transportation noted the roadway was cleared shortly after 3 p.m.
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Van is impounded after getting struck by tree. / Courtesy photo by Bill Serrahn
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
If its in your yard it snot up to the power company to take it down its yours.
Forest Gump once said Shit Happens
Those Cottonwood trees are killers. I have one in my yard much larger than that and it leans over the power lines and the highway. I’ve tried to get the power company to take it down but they tell me it’s too big a job. I tell them, that when it goes, even if it doesn’t kill someone, it’s going to be one hell of a big job to put their power, telephone, and cable lines back up.
One fine summer day with no wind it just decided to shed a 300 pound limb which crashed down below it. Now, I mow the lawn under it in fear, that it may be out to kill me.