DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A massive tree collapsed onto Ponce de Leon Avenue Sunday -- within feet of a driver.
Channel 2's Matt Johnson caught up with the driver, who was just feet away from disaster.
%
%
“Had I not slowed down I think the tree would have landed on the cab of the truck and I would not be here,” driver Ronnie Funk said.
He told Johnson strong winds pushed the 50-foot tree over near Lakeshore Drive in DeKalb County.
He says the tree came barreling down right in front of him around 6 p.m.
“I just immediately slammed on the brakes and plowed into the tree,” Funk said.
The collision damaged the front bumper of his truck.
Funk says the tree nearly hit another car carrying a family.
“We're both very, very lucky,” Funk said.
DeKalb County firefighters cut up the fallen tree and removed it Sunday night.
Meanwhile, cars were forced find another route as police blocked off the stretch of Ponce de Leon for 3 1/2 hours.
One firefighter told Johnson this is the third downed tree in the area this year.
Funk says this is now a concern for him anytime there are strong winds.
“I do question whether there are other trees along this road that need to be addressed, need to be looked into,” Funk said.
Cox Media Group
