Van is impounded after getting struck by tree. / Courtesy photo by Bill Serrahn
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The couple whose van roof was crushed by a cottonwood tree in Packwood escaped serious injury or worse by inches.
Lewis County Fire District 10 Chief Lonnie Goble said they were traveling along U.S. Highway 12, maybe 30 to 45 mph, when the tree came down yesterday afternoon, striking just behind the driver’s seat.
“That had to be a sudden stop,” Goble said. “It pushed the roof down to within an inch of where you put your feet on the floorboard.”
The woman passenger possibly had a broken arm and the driver had to wait to get out while a crew cut the vehicle, he said.
“He was just fine, he just stepped out and had a little pain in his back,” Goble said.
John E. Lange, 45, and Stephanie C. Lee, 39, both from Olympia, were transported to Morton General Hospital. They were treated and then released, a hospital spokesperson said today.
Their 2007 Honda Odyssey minivan was destroyed. The fire chief estimated the diameter of the tree as 18 to 20 inches.
Goble said they had a dog laying in the back seat, which was shook up, but seemed to also be unhurt.
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Tree lays along U.S. Highway 12 after roadway is cleared. / Courtesy photo by Bill Serrahn
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
We were in the opposite lane and watched the tree come down. Absolutely a miracle that the couple–and especially the dog– survived. I’ve been worried about the dog ever since I saw her in the back, eyes open, but otherwise pinned. So relieved to see this article!
That mini van looks like a convertable, yep they can count their lucky stars….. Whew! a close call….
Unlucky to be hit randomly by a tree but both are lucky to be alive and not critically injured.