A Melbourne family narrowly escaped tragedy when a tree deemed safe by the local council unexpectedly crashed into their home. The terrifying incident occurred in Coburg, where Tania Kanaan and her two young children were just moments away from disaster.
Concerns Ignored
Despite the family’s repeated warnings and concerns about the precarious state of the gum tree, Merri-bek City Council had deemed it safe. Tania Kanaan had even sought reassurance from an arborist who inspected the tree back in September. The arborist had assured her that the tree was stable and posed no threat to their safety. However, yesterday at lunchtime, the tree toppled, causing significant damage to the family’s home.
A Mother’s Fear
Tania Kanaan, who was inside the house with her newborn and one-year-old at the time of the incident, expressed her shock and fear. “You don’t know what to think. You just grab your little ones and you just want to keep them safe,” she said. The sudden collapse of the tree has left her questioning the council’s priorities. “It just feels like council is valuing these trees more than people’s lives,” she added.
Council Response
In response to the incident, Merri-bek City Council stated that the tree had been inspected and assessed as structurally sound. The council maintained that there were no signs of instability or issues that would have indicated the tree was at risk of falling. However, Tania’s husband, Kamal, believes that this incident should serve as a wake-up call for the council to prioritize the safety and security of the public.
Call to Action
The harrowing experience of the Kanaan family highlights the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents. It underscores the need for thorough assessments and regular maintenance of trees in public spaces to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. As communities continue to grapple with the challenges of urban living, it is crucial for local councils to prioritize the well-being of their residents above all else.