Woman ‘devastated’ as tree lands on car in strong winds

Saffron Chandler, 23, has been left devastated after the tree fell on her silver Ford Fiesta in New Road, Mistley, completely destroying it.

The incident happened at about 3.30pm on Friday, as gusts of up to 90mph hit north Essex.

Saffron was alerted to the damage by a neighbour.

Storm damage - Saffron Chandler's car was flattened by a falling tree

“I went out to see it and was just devastated – I started crying,” she said.

“I’ve never seen a car like that, I don’t think many people have.

“It was very smashed – it was a massive tree.

“When the tree was cut open you could see it was dead inside, which is why it fell.

“The car is completely flattened and caved in at the back where the tree hit it.

“I think if I had been in the front, I probably would have been OK.

“But luckily, I was nowhere near it at the time – I wasn’t due to drive to work until later that evening.”

Saffron has had her car for three years and uses it to travel to her job at Waitrose in Ipswich.

“After it happened, I couldn’t go to work,” she said.

“I’ve been having to rely on lifts from my family and colleagues, who have been really supportive.

“I work the nightshift, which means there’s no public transport.”

Saffron has been in touch with her insurance company and hopes to recover some money following the unlucky incident.

Aftermath - damage caused to the Ford Fiesta in New Road, Mistley

Essex Police’s Tendring Community Policing Team said it attended the scene of several fallen trees and power cables across the district over the weekend.

A spokesman added: “A big thank you to Kai Shimwell, who on seeing this tree completely blocking New Road, aided by other members of the public, cleared the road in just a few hours.

“Although one vehicle was badly damaged, fortunately no one was hurt with most people heading the weather warnings to stay at home.”

A large tree was also left blocking the road in Wix Road, Ramsey, over the weekend.