Tree smash close call

By Lia Bichel
A NARRE Warren man was lucky to escape injury after a tree fell on his car in Hampton Park on Sunday.
It was one of three cases of trees falling on cars from wild winds in Casey which Narre Warren SES attended.
Michael Meyepa, 48, said he was overwhelmed when strangers ran to his aid after a tree smashed the roof and windscreen of his car on Pound Road near Shrives Road about 3pm, Sunday.
Mr Meyepa was driving from shops to his house during strong winds when the tree fell onto his 1986 Honda Civic.
“I didn’t even see it falling. I didn’t have any time to think. I just heard a big bang and it crushed the roof,” Mr Meyepa said.
“The car is a write-off.”
Mr Meyepa was able to get out of his car, relatively untouched.
Mr Meyepa said he was grateful to the people who had helped him as well as the police, paramedics and the fire brigade who attended.
“Plenty of people stopped and everyone was looking at the car wondering how anyone could survive!” he said.
“I am so lucky.”
Narre Warren SES media liason officer Danny Lee the SES were flat out attending 60 jobs throughout the City of Casey.
Others calls included trees fallen on roads which created traffic hazards, trees fallen on house roofs and general building damage.
Mr Lee said that while the Narre Warren SES were able to handle the calls, there was still a need for more volunteers in the area.
Unit Control Officer Tim Howell said the Narre Warren SES recently held an event to thank the community, local councillors and State and Federal politicians who have supported the organisation and helped advocate for more members and another SES in the municipality.
“We wanted to say thank you to the people who helped during the floods and have given us their supper,” Mr Howell said.
“They have also helped us advocate for a second SES unit in the City of Casey.”