Ripon couple struck by falling tree
A man and woman were hit by a tree that fell under the weight of the snow
Last updated 15th Jan 2021
A couple from Ripon have been struck by a tree which collapsed under the weight of the snow.
The incident happened at around 12.30pm yesterday (Thursday 14 January 2021) behind the college lawns near to the business park.
A man and a woman were treated by emergency services, with passers by helping to rescue the couple from under the tree.
In a post on Facebook, one woman confirmed it was her and her husband who had been struck by the tree.
In a comment she said the passers by were "brilliant" and that they were doing well.
The woman was discharged from hospital last night while her partner was kept in overnight with concussion.
Nicole Louise Bond witnessed the incident, she said the pair were "lucky to be alive".
Her and her partner, Ben, leapt into action to try and free the couple from under the tree while on the phone to emergency services.
She said: "It all happened so quickly. It sounded like somebody was breaking up some wooden pallets and then I heard Ben shout RUN.
"The couple crossed around us and were just in front of us. I don't think they had chance to think about what they were going to do to get out of the way.
"It pretty much fell right at my feet but the scariest thing was that I watched this poor couple get crushed by this tree. I just thought the worst.
"My partner jumped into action mode trying to pull them out from under the tree while I was calling 999.
"The ambulance got there so quickly it was amazing. They warned me it could take about 40 minutes because of all the snow but they got there in about five minutes.
"I'm just glad the pair are safe and well."
We've contacted Yorkshire Ambulance Service for a statement.