BREAKING: Family's miraculous escape after tree and ESB pole crash down on to car in Limerick

A FAMILY had a miraculous escape after a tree and ESB pole crashed down on top of their car in Limerick during Storm Amy.

It occurred shortly before 4pm this Friday at Aghalacka road in Askeaton.

READ NEXT: Storm Amy causes more roads to close across Limerick

Limerick Live understands that a steel fence helped to break the fall of the tree and ESB pole and prevent the full weight of the tree from landing on the vehicle.

Limerick Fire and Rescue Service and council staff attended and made the scene safe. The family members had been able to escape from the car and didn’t have to be cut out by firefighters. It is believed they suffered only minor injuries and were treated for shock.

Another major concern was that they could have been electrocuted from the power lines or it could have sparked a fire. ESB say fallen electricity wires are live and dangerous and never to approach or touch them. 

The road is currently closed as ESB and council staff arrange for the tree, power lines and pole to be removed.

Local councillor Ger Ward said he was very thankful that the people in the car escaped serious injury.

Limerick is currently under a Status Yellow wind warning which is in place until midnight. Met Eireann says the potential impacts of strong to near gale force and gusty southwesterly winds are difficult travelling conditions, debris, loose objects displaced and some fallen trees possible.

Limerick Fire and Rescue has posted online the advice from the Office of Emergency Planning which is of particular relevance to those living in mountainous areas of West Limerick. 

“Stay clear of flooded roads and take a safer alternative route. In the event of an emergency, ring 112/999b straight away.”