Tree Falls On Home With 77 Year Old Woman Inside

Alabama Mobile Willene Williams is on oxygen and fighting lung cancer.

by Steve Alexander

Published: Thu, August 27, 2009 - 7:12 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, August 27, 2009 - 9:30 pm CST

A 77 year old Prichard woman on oxygen support and fighting lung cancer had a distrubing surprise Thursday afternoon.
You might call it an unwanted lunchtime guest.
Willene Williams said about 12:30, a huge tree in front of her outside fence collapsed on her home at 810 Beck Street.
Williams said she lives there with her grandson and was sitting inside on the sofa at the time.
Williams said, "I heard a noise and I looked, and that tree was coming and I just fell backwards and I started hollering for him."
The tree tore a hole in the roof and cracked the ceiling in the room where Williams was sitting.
Williams granddaughter, Pamela Driver, said she rushed to the home as soon as she heard what happened.
When asked what went through her mind when she saw the scene, Driver said, "Oh my God, is she still living?"
Williams wasn't hurt, but she said fire fighters did bring her some portable oxygen tanks because her electricity was cut off.
Friends and relatives were able to remove and cut most of the tree limbs, but there's plenty of damage.
Driver said the damage included the car, "the fence, garage, the porch, pretty much almost everything. "
Williams and Driver said the tree was on city property and that, after calling the City of Prichard, inspectors checked on the tree.
Driver said, "They came out last week and I was here. I was here when the man came out and he said there was nothing that he could do."
News Five told city officials in Prichard about what Driver said.
LaToya Veal with the City of Prichard said, "We will look further into it, but at this time we do not have any records of any complaints from that residence."
Driver said her grandmother has homeowner's insurance, but can't live in the house until the roof is fixed.
So, for now, 77 year old Willene Williams will stay with relatives.

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