BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
A person was killed after a tree fell on a home in Birmingham, Alabama, overnight.
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According to the Birmingham Fire Department, crews were called after a tree fell on a home in the 1300 block of Monterey Drive, which is in the Spring Lake neighborhood near Huffman. Two people were trapped in the home.
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Jefferson County EMA Director Jim Coker confirmed that one of the people who were trapped in the home had died. The victim has not been identified at this time.
Family members told WVTM13 the two people were brothers.
“His brother came by around four this morning and he banged on the door,” said Orlando Vickers Jr., a neighbor. “He said Beau, his brother, needed help.”
Vickers Jr. lives across the street and rushed to help before first responders even got there. Vickers Jr. says the brother had fallen through a hole left by the tree and couldn’t get back into the house because the door was locked, a reason he went looking for help.
“I see his brother in the bed, and he was already stretched out,” Vickers Jr. said. “I said Beau, Beau. He didn’t answer.”
Family members say the tree came up from the roots and right through her brother’s bedroom.
“We had about 20 family members who came in the house just now and they were crying and sobbing and it was just, my heart went out for the family,” Vickers Jr. said. “He was just a great neighbor, a great man.”
The aftermath is evident. The tree was draped across the home and power lines were brought down. Vickers Jr. owns Father & Son Lawn Care and said he wants to do his part in giving back and helping the family.
“He will be truly missed,” Vickers Jr. said. “I told them whatever the family needs – whatever. I’m already helping out now with the tree that my friend is cutting now. I’m fixing to start on that like right right now. Whatever they need. This is just a terrible loss.”
This comes as Hurricane Isaias brought strong winds and heavy rain to Alabama overnight, leaving a trail of damage across the state.
At this time, at least two hurricane-related fatalities have been confirmed, both the result of trees falling on homes. These fatalities took place in Birmingham, Alabama, and Escambia County, Florida.
According to NBC, in Escambia County, Florida, another person died in Escambia County. The victim was reportedly found in his garage, which was closed, with a running generator inside it.
Escambia County Emergency Management
According to the governor’s office, a second storm-related fatality in Alabama happened in Barbour County. WVTM 13 is working to gather more information about the death.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.