A towering tree split apart and smashed onto a parked car in a quiet Pacoima neighborhood Monday afternoon, startling residents but causing no injuries.
At a Glance
- A large tree fell on a car in the 12300 block of Osborne Place shortly after 4 p.m.
- The tree appeared to split in half, with one section landing on the vehicle and the other blocking an apartment parking lot entrance.
- No injuries were reported, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights how unpredictable tree failures can damage property without warning, even on calm days.
The Fall
Emergency crews received the first call at 4:02 p.m. reporting that a large tree had come down on Osborne Place. When units arrived, they found the tree had cracked near its base, sending one portion crashing onto a black sedan and another sprawling across the driveway of a nearby apartment complex.
News Of Losangeles‘s aerial footage showed the tree neatly divided, its limbs splayed across the pavement and the car’s roof partially caved under the weight. The force of the fall may have snapped nearby utility lines, LAFD noted, though utility crews had not reported any outages as of late Monday.
Response and Cleanup
Firefighters secured the area and checked the vehicle and surrounding apartments for occupants. Once they confirmed no one was trapped or hurt, crews began cutting away branches to clear the roadway and driveway.
By 5:30 p.m., heavy-duty saws were still buzzing as workers sectioned the trunk into manageable pieces. A city urban forestry team was expected to evaluate the remaining stump and determine whether nearby trees pose a similar risk.
Witness Reactions
Neighbors said the tree had stood for decades, its canopy shading the block and providing habitat for local birds. “We never thought it could just give way like that,” one resident told News Of Losangeles. “Luckily nobody was walking by.”
Another witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said the sound of the trunk splitting echoed like thunder. “I ran outside and saw the car flattened. It’s a miracle no one got hurt,” the resident added.
Safety Reminder
LAFD encourages residents to inspect mature trees on or near their property for signs of decay, including:
- Cracks or cavities in the trunk
- Fungal growth at the base
- Leaning or uneven canopy
- Roots lifting nearby pavement
Property owners can request a free inspection by calling the city’s Street Tree Division. Monday’s incident remains under review, but officials stressed that routine maintenance can prevent similar surprises.
Key Takeaways
- No injuries were reported after a large tree fell on a car in Pacoima.
- The tree split and blocked both a private vehicle and an apartment parking lot entrance.
- Firefighters responded quickly and began cleanup within the hour.
- Residents are urged to monitor aging trees and report potential hazards to city arborists.
