LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – A massive oak tree crashed down near the BART connector pathway in downtown Lafayette this week, crushing a section of metal fence and bending a nearby streetlight.
Limbs and branches now sprawl across the sidewalk, leaving a tangle of debris where people usually stroll along the creekside path.
Video from the scene, which you can watch here, shows just how large the tree is and how far it fell across the walkway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7GrWMdXZko
The tree appears to have toppled from the creek bank toward the sidewalk, taking the fence with it and landing just feet from the street. Freshly cut rounds show where crews have already started trimming branches to make the area safe. A work ladder and cones were visible near the fallen trunk as cleanup continued.
Crews have blocked off the immediate area while they cut the tree into pieces and assess any damage to the streetlight and pavement. The fall does not appear to have damaged nearby buildings, and there were no immediate reports of injuries. For now, however, pedestrians are being routed around the damaged section of the path.
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With its trunk now resting across the path and workers cutting away branches, the scene is a reminder of how quickly storms and saturated soil can turn a healthy-looking tree into a major hazard.
As cleanup continues, drivers and walkers in downtown Lafayette should expect some temporary detours and watch for crews working near the creek.
