Tree Inches Away From Piercing Through Shop-Owner’s Roof

A shop-owner has spoken of his shock after a fallen tree missed crashing through his home by inches.

Baz Quiilliam, who lives in Harcroft Meadow, was woken up just before 5am this morning by what he thought was a lightning strike.

But he later realised that the loud sound had been caused by a tree which fell just inches away from doing serious damage to his house.

Baz said: ‘I came out to see a tree on my property, but thankfully me and my neighbours are ok.

‘I have a hole in my downstairs toilet, and my car was thankfully not parked where it normally is, or it would be damaged.

‘We had a lucky escape. If the tree had been bigger, it would have gone through the roof space.’

The tree is currently blocking his property.

As a result, Baz, who owns and runs military clothing and equipment specialist Q’s Stores on Derby Road in Douglas, is currently unable to head out to open the premises.

He added: ‘A police officer came here at about 5am after it was called in and said the Department of Infrastructure would come when available.

‘Obviously they are busy with multiple trees down. The rest of my neighbours also can’t get out by vehicle.

‘The shop is shut Sunday and Monday, so that’s not a drama, but it looks like I’ll have to write off today’s opening. It could have been a lot worse!’