Residents in a Pacoima neighborhood were shaken Monday afternoon after a large tree suddenly collapsed onto a parked car, narrowly avoiding injuries and causing concern about nearby utilities.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, emergency crews were dispatched just after 4 p.m. to the 12300 block of Osborne Place following reports that a massive tree had fallen in a residential area. Fire officials said the tree may have also brought down overhead wires as it toppled.
Aerial footage from the scene showed the tree split into two large sections. One portion landed directly on top of a black car parked along the street, while the other section fell across the entrance of what appeared to be a nearby apartment complex parking lot. The impact left visible damage to the vehicle and temporarily blocked access to the lot.
Residents described hearing a loud crash when the tree came down, prompting immediate concern for anyone who might have been nearby at the time.
“It was very scary. My whole family was inside,” said Laura Rivera, who lives in the area. She added that relatives had visited earlier in the day and had just left the neighborhood hours before the incident occurred. “We were so glad nothing happened right at that moment when they left,” Rivera said.
Fire officials confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the falling tree. Crews assessed the scene to ensure there were no immediate hazards related to downed power lines or unstable branches.
It was not immediately clear what caused the tree to fall, though residents noted that older trees and recent weather conditions can sometimes contribute to such incidents. City crews were expected to remove the debris and inspect the area to prevent further safety risks.
Authorities are reminding residents to report leaning trees, cracked trunks, or exposed roots, especially near homes, vehicles, or power lines, to help reduce the risk of similar incidents in residential neighborhoods.
