Express & Star

Wolverhampton couple trapped by fallen tree as Storm Franklin hits the region

One couple who were settling in at home to watch football were given a fright when the latest storm brought a tree down around them and blocked them in their house.

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John Smith with the remains of the tree that fell

Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin have been causing havoc across the West Midlands.

John and Dorothy Smith were sitting at their home on Millwalk Drive in Pendeford at around 3.30pm on Sunday when Mr Smith said he heard a huge crashing noise.

He said: "We were just settling down to watch the Wolves game [against Leicester City] when there was this massive bang and crash outside.

The tree was cut up to clear the space in front of the houses

"I thought it was a big accident on the main road, so I went to open the door and found I couldn't because the driveway was full of the tree, which had fallen over and was in as far as where my car is parked.

"The fire service came quickly and I've got to say they were great, as they made sure we were safe and cleared the space in front of the house to make sure we could get out, so I have to thank them."

The stump of the tree is all that remains following the collapse of the tree on Sunday afternoon
John Smith

Mr Smith said it had been a shock for both himself and his wife, as well as the two other couples living on the area near the tree, and said it was lucky an ambulance wasn't required as there was no access.

He said: "Where we live, there is only one way in and the tree fell right across the entrance, so we were trapped in until a company called Acorns came and cleared it at around 2am.

"My wife is still a bit upset, but I'm ok and just dealing with the insurance company right now, but I know the roof has been damaged and there's still branches up there."