Tree falls on parked car killing driver - Brisbane 13OCT2011

Eric Frei · 26th October 2011, 10:21 PM

On 13 October 2011 around 4pm a storm hit Brisbane ..... sadly it was a hail storm and the driver parked near a large tree for shelter on Johnson road Hillcrest. Is it a folly to assume (especially with QTRA) that target occupancy decreases in adverse weather?

Johnson Road Tree Fatality - YouTube

Rob Chace · 27th October 2011, 02:04 AM

it may just be how it looks on the video, but is that (side away from road) a scar from a previous failure, posibaly a co-dom thats no longer there?

I didnt study the pics, just my initial observation/deduction.

Eric Frei · 27th October 2011, 07:05 AM

At 2.24 into the video you can see at the apex of the opening the circular deadwood formation which is an indication that it was a large branch failure in the past, possibly co-dominant and likely it tore down the back of the tree opening it up.

Eric Frei · 30th October 2011, 11:48 AM

From another thread about risk assessment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Frei

On 13 October 2011 in the afternoon a driver seeking refuge from a hail storm was killed when a tree fell on his car.

From BOM records at Archerfield (closest to site) the maximum wind gust recorded was a SE gust 61km/h at 15.37hours (3.37pm) which coincides to the approximate time of the incident.

The tree fell at 90 degrees to the direction of the wind gust, the tree fell to the SW and fell exactly to the lean of the tree. Often storms roll in from the SW (I live here) so this tree failed at either 90 degrees to recorded gusts or head on into the wind.

What actually happened in this set of circumstances is target occupancy increased momentarily to 100% as the vehicle parked beneath the tree. Often an assumption is made that target occupancy decreases in adverse conditions.

George Valentine · 30th October 2011, 02:44 PM

Great work Eric, the information you provided in most interesting, however, how unlucky can a person be...??

In the first aerial pic shown in the clip, there it is, this vehicle parked on the side of the road, under one of hundreds of trees before and after that spot, and the only tree coming down from the storm (wind) over/towards the road, was exactly on top of this fellow's head inside that vehicle, not a few feet behind or forwards so, and unless was some sort of sign saying "in the event of a bad storm, park here for safety...!" which, I don't believe, this fellow was the unluckiest person, on that day.

Call it what you wish, for me is just totally freaky to pick your spot to be killed...!

bloody hell.

George

Eric Frei · 30th October 2011, 03:47 PM

Roadside tree inspections is expected in suburbia. The defect was well outside of the retention parameters used by the vast majority of consultants.

As you can see from the Google view a windscreen drive by inspection may not have detected the defect unless you noticed the swollen lower trunk. The actual defect was only really evident from behind.

Who owns the tree? Not sure, could be council, could be Dept of Main roads, either way it shows what can happen regardless of the odds. It is the odds that govt banks on when it comes to profiting from gambling, lets hope they are wiser than gambling with lives. Trees within striking distance of thoroughfares should be inspected on a scheduled basis .... not an adhoc or not all basis.

27th October 2011, 02:04 AM	#2
Rob Chace Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Perth, WA Posts: 238	Re: Tree falls on parked car killing driver - Brisbane 13OCT2011 it may just be how it looks on the video, but is that (side away from road) a scar from a previous failure, posibaly a co-dom thats no longer there? I didnt study the pics, just my initial observation/deduction.

27th October 2011, 07:05 AM	#3
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Tree falls on parked car killing driver - Brisbane 13OCT2011 At 2.24 into the video you can see at the apex of the opening the circular deadwood formation which is an indication that it was a large branch failure in the past, possibly co-dominant and likely it tore down the back of the tree opening it up. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

30th October 2011, 02:44 PM	#5
George Valentine Former Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia - SA Adelaide Hills Posts: 185	Re: Tree falls on parked car killing driver - Brisbane 13OCT2011 Great work Eric, the information you provided in most interesting, however, how unlucky can a person be...?? In the first aerial pic shown in the clip, there it is, this vehicle parked on the side of the road, under one of hundreds of trees before and after that spot, and the only tree coming down from the storm (wind) over/towards the road, was exactly on top of this fellow's head inside that vehicle, not a few feet behind or forwards so, and unless was some sort of sign saying "in the event of a bad storm, park here for safety...!" which, I don't believe, this fellow was the unluckiest person, on that day. Call it what you wish, for me is just totally freaky to pick your spot to be killed...! bloody hell. George

30th October 2011, 03:47 PM	#6
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Tree falls on parked car killing driver - Brisbane 13OCT2011 Roadside tree inspections is expected in suburbia. The defect was well outside of the retention parameters used by the vast majority of consultants. As you can see from the Google view a windscreen drive by inspection may not have detected the defect unless you noticed the swollen lower trunk. The actual defect was only really evident from behind. Who owns the tree? Not sure, could be council, could be Dept of Main roads, either way it shows what can happen regardless of the odds. It is the odds that govt banks on when it comes to profiting from gambling, lets hope they are wiser than gambling with lives. Trees within striking distance of thoroughfares should be inspected on a scheduled basis .... not an adhoc or not all basis. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
A bore is killing my tree	mark thedford	Ask an Arborist here	3	2nd July 2011 08:30 AM
What is killing my tree?	moonchild226	Ask an Arborist here	9	21st August 2010 09:50 AM
Fallen tree kills driver as storm front leaves trail of damage	Jeff Darby	Tree Industry injuries, accidents and fatalities	1	13th August 2010 07:02 AM
Brisbane tree climber falls & hospitalized	Eric Frei	General Tree Chat	15	3rd March 2008 06:58 PM