Vilnius residents angered as tree falls on cars, claim warnings ignored

A large aspen tree toppled in a Vilnius courtyard, crushing three parked cars and causing significant damage, particularly to one vehicle belonging to resident Algimantas. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, leaving residents shaken but relieved that no one was harmed.

“

I was drinking coffee in the kitchen and heard a crash, like a truck dumping a pile of bricks or stones. I went to the window and saw this scene.

"I was drinking coffee in the kitchen and heard a crash, like a truck dumping a pile of bricks or stones," recounted one resident. "I went to the window and saw this scene." Another resident, Valentina, expressed gratitude that the falling tree did not hit anyone, especially considering the number of children who play in the courtyard. "Thank God it all ended with just damaged cars," she said.

“

Good thing no one was killed. Little children run around here all the time. Thank God it all ended with just damaged cars.

Residents insist they have been alerting the municipality to the tree's precarious state for years, with some claiming to have sent written requests almost annually for the past five years. They allege that while the municipality occasionally trimmed branches, they refused to remove the tree, stating it was still green. However, a municipal official stated that no official written requests regarding this specific tree were found, suggesting any communication might have been verbal or through a local elderate.

“

Here I have been living since 1988. We started applying about this tree back in 2000. And for the last five years, I have been writing almost every year.

The municipality acknowledged the tree's poor condition, noting it had hollows and signs of rot but did not exhibit obvious signs of being an immediate hazard as its canopy was fully green. Residents are now concerned about compensation for the damages, with legal advice suggesting they first approach the municipality with documentation of the losses. If the municipality refuses compensation, residents may pursue legal action, as similar cases have resulted in compensation for victims in Lithuania.

“

Official written requests regarding the condition of this tree were not received by the municipality. It is possible that residents contacted verbally or through the elderate.