An 83-year-old man endured a terrifying ordeal after becoming trapped inside his home when a giant heritage tree, believed to be more than 150 years old and weighing around 50 tonnes, collapsed onto two houses along Jalan Batu Gantung, Air Itam, on Thursday night.
The elderly resident was unable to leave his home after the massive tree blocked the exit. Fortunately, firefighters managed to rescue him safely, and he escaped the incident without any injuries.
According to Paya Terubong Fire and Rescue Station operations commander Mohd Zaini Zainudin, emergency services received a distress call at 8.48pm and arrived at the scene just seven minutes later.
A total of 19 firefighters, assisted by two Medical Rescue Services (MRS) personnel, worked alongside the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and nearby volunteer firefighters to carry out the rescue operation.
Initial assessments found that the fallen tree damaged two residential properties. One unoccupied house suffered damage to its front gate and part of its roof, while the second home sustained damage to its gate, car porch roof and one of three vehicles parked on the premises.
Firefighters used specialised cutting equipment to remove large branches before an MBPP crane was brought in to lift the enormous tree trunk. The size and weight of the tree made the operation particularly challenging.
Mohd Zaini said rescue efforts were further complicated by electrical cables that had been pulled down by the falling tree, creating additional hazards for emergency personnel. The massive trunk and thick branches also slowed the removal process.
Authorities believe the fallen tree was a protected heritage tree estimated to be more than 150 years old and weighing over 50 tonnes, making it one of the largest trees involved in a residential incident in the area.
