Find local news in Kent

Home   Gravesend   News   Article

Gale force winds bring down tree in Hillingdon Road, Gravesend

08:53, 21 March 2019

updated: 08:59, 21 March 2019

Two children had a near miss when strong winds brought down a tree outside their home.

Jay, eight, was in Hillingdon Road, Gravesend, when the enormous trunk fell just a metre from where he stood.

His sister Jenny, five, had shouted from their doorway to warn him, and the pair watched on as their neighbour's car was crushed.

Jay, eight, and his sister Jenny, five, of Hillingdon Road, Gravesend
Jay, eight, and his sister Jenny, five, of Hillingdon Road, Gravesend

It happened earlier this month as gale force winds battered the county.

The extreme weather led to the closure of Dartford's QE2 Bridge, damaged a block of flats in Greenhithe and pulled off part of the roof at Cascades Leisure Centre in Thong Lane.

Dad, teacher Dilip Sandhu, 46, said: "Jay was in shock and couldn't believe what had happened.

"We are very lucky the tree did not fall backwards, as it would have caused a lot of structural damage to our house.

"Our neighbours were brilliant and helped clear the road by trimming off the branches."

For all the forecasts, warnings and weather related news, click here.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More