Two men in Virginia narrowly avoided being crushed by a massive tree while enjoying a spring night and preparing to make s’mores with their families outside. Security video captured Chris Johannsen and a friend sitting by their outdoor fireplace when the 40-foot tree came crashing down, prompting both men to quickly jump up and dodge the potentially deadly hit. The tree landed on the chairs where they had been sitting just moments before, with debris floating in the air after the fall. Their children, who had been startled by the noise, came out to ask about the loud crash.
The families had been enjoying the fireplace just five minutes before the tree fell, with their wives having gone to a nearby house and the kids inside watching a movie. They were planning to make s’mores for the kids and were enjoying a glass of bourbon when they heard the crackling and the boom of the falling tree. Luckily, neither man was injured during the incident, despite the close call. The weather at the time of the collapse was calm, but nearby weather observations indicated earlier rain and winds up to 25 mph. A wind gust of 46 mph was recorded about 40 minutes away near Richmond on the same day.
The video captured the frightening experience of the tree falling and the men narrowly avoiding being crushed, with the debris from the tree seen floating in the air. The children were also startled by the loud noise and came out to see what had happened. Both men expressed relief that their families were not outside with them at the time of the incident, as it could have resulted in serious injuries or worse. The close call serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of being cautious, even in seemingly safe situations.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers present even in everyday activities, like enjoying a night outside with family. The peaceful evening turned into a life-threatening situation within moments, highlighting the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and being prepared for the unexpected. The near-miss experienced by these two men is a fortunate outcome, but it could have ended much differently if they had not reacted quickly to the sound of the falling tree. This close call can serve as a lesson for others to always be vigilant and prioritize safety in all situations.
The video of the tree falling and the men narrowly avoiding being crushed has circulated online, drawing attention to the sudden and unexpected nature of accidents like these. The shock and relief expressed by the men and their families serve as a testament to the importance of valuing each moment and being grateful for the safety of loved ones. The incident also highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to remain calm under pressure, even in life-threatening situations. This close call will likely stay with the families involved, serving as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing time spent with family and friends.
