Utrecht, Netherlands— One person was killed around 2:15 p.m. on October 18 when a large tree was toppled by severe storm gusts and crashed onto a passenger car in eastern Utrecht.
The storm swept across the central Netherlands with gusts up to 110 km/h. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute had issued a code orange warning for wind. In Utrecht, branches snapped, tiles flew, and canals churned. On Prins Hendriklaan, an old beech gave way at the roots.
The car was moving slowly in traffic. The tree hit the roof and windshield. The driver, a 44-year-old woman from Utrecht, was trapped. Bystanders tried to lift branches but the trunk was too heavy. Firefighters used saws to cut through.
"Wind came in bursts. Then we heard a crack, like a gunshot," a cyclist who was behind the car said. "The tree just fell. No time to brake. It covered the whole road."
Emergency crews pronounced the driver dead at the scene at 2:42 p.m. A second occupant, her 9-year-old son, was pulled from the rear seat with injuries and taken to University Medical Center Utrecht. His condition was not disclosed.
The municipality closed surrounding streets and sent tree inspectors to check other old beeches along the avenue. Many of Utrecht's roadside trees are over 80 years old, with shallow roots in wet soil. Officials have faced criticism for delayed replacement programs.
Storm damage was reported across the city. Roofs damaged in Wittevrouwen, scaffolding collapsed in Leidsche Rijn, and train services were delayed after branches fell on tracks near Utrecht Centraal.
The city issued a statement urging residents to avoid parks and stay indoors during peak gusts. Cleanup crews worked into the evening with chippers and cranes.
The road remained closed for removal and investigation. The storm is expected to weaken overnight, but a yellow warning remains for early Sunday.
Published by Banx Network. This article is part of the Banx decentralized media programme, powered by the BXE token on the XRP Ledger.
