Inspection Underway After A Driver Is Killed By A Fallen Tree

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Tragedy on a heavily traveled road. A driver was killed when a tree smashed through the roof of her car as she was driving. Now neighbors say they have concerns about the trees in the area.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the dangers.

There have been multiple deaths caused by falling trees here in the region just this year alone.

A tornado caused devastation across a campground near the Eastern Shore.

It was a falling tree that smashed through a tent that killed 38- year-old Lord Balatbot and his wife Lolabeth Ortega.

Weeks later in Woodbine, a 75-year-old man died when a tree landed on top of him.

"If that tree had fallen in any other direction, we wouldn't be here today," said Marc Fischer, Howard County Fire Department, last month.

And just Wednesday, tragedy struck again.

Fifty-two-year-old Rebecca Lowery was driving down Falls Road when a tree smashed right through the roof of her car.

"That lady didn't have much of a chance. It hit right behind the windshield and came straight right down," said Larry Slavik, neighbor.

Neighbors in the area tell WJZ-TV they've had multiple trees crash onto the road, and they want the state to do something about it.

State highway officials were out along Falls Road this morning. They say that the tree fell from 75 feet off the roadway on private property.

Baltimore County officials say they actively respond to calls about dangerous trees-- especially near roadways.

County workers or contractors will inspect the trees to determine if they are dangerous.

If a tree is deemed an imminent danger, it can be removed within 24 hours.

But some say not everything can be prevented.

"I don't think you can look at every unfortunate experience and blame somebody. I think that's a mistake," said Bill Morgan, Baltimore County resident.

County workers have removed nearly 1000 trees this year alone.

The county has also trimmed nearly 5000 trees along roadways since January.

Baltimore County officials say anyone who is concerned about specific trees should call the Department of Public Works.

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