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Tree shears off front of Abbotsford home

High winds from severe weather conditions in Abbotsford on Wednesday sent a maple tree crashing onto an Orchard Drive home.
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Nick Torenvliet surveys the damage that a falling tree did to his parents' home in Abbotsford.


Willemien and Pieter Torenvliet were having coffee in their living room before noon on Wednesday when they decided to have an early lunch with their three grandkids, all under the age of five.

That decision saved them all from serious injury.

About 15 minutes after they moved to the kitchen, a massive big-leafed maple came crashing down from their neighbour's property– thanks to high winds – and sheared off the front of their Orchard Drive home, in just the spot they had been sitting.

"We were sitting there (in the kitchen) and we heard this crash. My husband saw a piece of insulation go flying by the window. It was unbelievable!" said Willemien the following day.

Daughter Lizanne Hinsman – the aunt of the three kids – was also in the kitchen at the time, and the tree hit her 2008 Chevy Colorado LT parked in the driveway.

The incident left a gaping hole at the front of the house, and a temporary wall was quickly put up by a restoration company. Willemien said it could take until April until all the damage is fully repaired.

The couple has lived in the home at 2295 Orchard Drive for more than 10 years.

 



Vikki Hopes

About the Author: Vikki Hopes

I have been a journalist for almost 40 years, and have been at the Abbotsford News since 1991.
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