Storm Darragh: Man rushed to Borders General Hospital 'after being hit by falling tree'
Last updated 7th Dec 2024
Police have confirmed a man has been taken to hospital following a report a pedestrian was hit by a falling tree in Kelso, as Storm Darragh battered the Borders.
A number of weather warnings remain in place across the region, with the Met Office forecasting wind gusts up to 70mph.
The town's parkrun, which follows a tree-lined route, was cancelled earlier amid concerns over safety.
Kelso Community Council say this morning's incident unfolded at the entrance to Broomlands housing estate, at its junction with Ednam Road.
Emergency services were quickly on scene after the alarm was raised on Saturday.
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were called around 9.35am to a report of man being hit by a tree in the Ednam Road area of Kelso.
“Emergency services attended and he was taken to Borders General Hospital by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“The road was closed for a short time for debris to be cleared.”
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Locals say they had warned about the danger. One said: "I reported the trees in January! Obviously nothing done."
Another said: "There will be another incident involving those trees unless something is done quickly, hopefully not a fatality."
A third added: "There's trees everywhere needing trimmed. Lack of maintenance over many years has stacked up, but it's also nature for branches to fall in a storm, we all have to be aware of what's rattling about in the wind above us."
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The condition of the casualty is unknown, but an eyewitness told Greatest Hits Radio two ambulances were among the emergency services to respond.
Kelso Community Council posted: "There has been an incident at the entrance to Broomlands at the junction to Ednam Road, where a large branch has fallen and came into contact with a pedestrian.
"Thank you to the Emergency Services and Scottish Borders Council who are clearing and making the area safe.
"Our thoughts go out to those involved and affected."
And, it added: "High Winds and rain are expected to continue over the next 24 hours. Please AVOID walking in or near any wooded areas during this (yellow) warning."
Meanwhile, flood barriers are being erected along the seafront in Eyemouth ahead of this evening's high tide, which is predicted between 6pm and 8pm.
A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: "A combination of high tides and prevailing weather conditions means that flooding is possible from the sea."
The Granites road - between Innerleithen and Midlothian - was also partially submerged.
A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: "Surface water is affecting many routes across the region, in particular the A72 between Clovenfords and Walkerburn.
"Should the A72 close please avoid the back road due to the risk of severe congestion and use the A7/A703 diversion route instead.
"If you must travel during the current weather warning period please drive to the conditions."
Elsewhere, a number of events have already been cancelled or curtailed in response to the worsening weather - including Berwick Rangers match at home to East Stirlingshire.
Heatherslaw Light Railway has been forced to cancel the remaining Santa Special train today, adding the safety of its passengers and staff is paramount.
A number of other train services have also been affected. And Borders Buses is warning passengers to expect delays or cancellations. It adds: "Due to this, we have taken the decision to remove all double deck vehicles from our X62 (Melrose-Peebles-Edinburgh) route, on Saturday."
In athletics, the latest leg of the Borders Cross Country series, due to be held at Spittal on Sunday, has also been put on hold.
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