Man escapes injury as tree crashes onto his car in Bucktown

On Monday, April 7, 2025, a series of incidents involving falling trees occurred in the United States, specifically in Pennsylvania and Illinois. In Chester County, Pennsylvania, surveillance video captured a tree falling onto an SUV on Pennsylvania Route 52. The footage demonstrated the driver managing to escape the vehicle just before the tree struck, leading to no reported injuries. Similarly, a Chicago man named Miguel Ares experienced a frightening encounter while driving in Bucktown. Around 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., he was about to turn at the intersection of Leavitt and Lyndale when a massive tree fell onto his car, crushing it. Fortunately, Ares was unharmed, and he expressed gratitude, attributing his survival to divine intervention. He stated, "God was with me," highlighting his relief at avoiding injury despite extensive damage to his car. At the time of Ares's incident, Chicago was experiencing sustained winds between 25 to 35 mph, conditions that the city's Department of Streets and Sanitation noted contributed to multiple tree emergencies throughout the day. In total, the department responded to 37 such emergencies caused by the high winds, yet, notably, there were no injuries reported in those occurrences. Following the incident, Ares was left with the task of finding a replacement vehicle, reflecting on the unexpected danger he faced that afternoon. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by falling trees, especially during extreme weather conditions such as high winds. Both drivers were fortunate to escape without harm, but the property damage and the risks associated with such events underline the need for vigilance during severe weather. As communities respond to such emergencies, it becomes crucial to assess the health of trees in public spaces and consider actions to mitigate dangers in the future.