A Sydney couple came metres from disaster when a gum tree fell through their kitchen roof while they were home yesterday.
Keli Ou and May Sun were in their bedroom when the tree slammed through the kitchen in Eastwood.
They are “shocked” and describe the scene as “like a warzone.”
But in a twist, they revealed the local council previously denied their neighbour’s application to have the tree removed.
Strong winds late yesterday were blamed for tipping the tree on Harrison Avenue.
Part of it hit above the deck and kitchen, another section crushed the clothesline and fence.
But it’s not even from their backyard – it’s from next door.
Neighbour Yin Huang said she ran outside.
“I was yelling to make sure neighbours are safe,” she said.
Huang says he is shocked but not surprised by the tree’s fall.
She’s wanted the tree cut down for a year but claims Ryde City Council would not let her.
“We applied in January 2023 and it was rejected,” she said.
“It’s been rejected again.”
A week ago, after noticing the cracks in the tree getting wider, she sent photos to the council.
The reply was to redo her application.
She says she’s yet to hear from the council, which has been contacted by 9News.
The owners have relocated to a nearby hotel.
They’ve been told it’s too unsafe to stay in their own home.
