Cortland firefighters rescue a student who was trapped underneath a tree on Prospect Terrace Monday morning (Photo courtesy of Cortland Professional Firefighters' Association)
CORTLAND, N.Y. - A SUNY Cortland student did her best to be on time for her Monday morning class, though a 500-pound tree had other plans for her.
At around 9 a.m., the Cortland Fire Department responded to 20 Prospect Terrace for a student who was trapped under a tree.
The tree weighed approximately 500 pounds and had been uprooted in a wind gust, falling over and pinning the student to the sidewalk, according to Cortland Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Friedman.
"She happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time," Friedman said.
Firefighters quickly set up a ground ladder to lift the side of the tree. The student was free within minutes of the arrival of the first firetruck.
The student was evaluated by paramedics at the scene, though she only suffered minor injuries and did not require an ambulance, Friedman said.
The Cortland Fire Department was assisted by the City of Cortland Police Department and TLC Ambulance, as well as an off-duty firefighter who was in the area.
Friedman said firefighters have responded to several reports of trees and power lines falling down due to heavy wind gusts in the area.
Forecasters are predicting that winds could pick up Monday afternoon and Monday evening. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory until 4 p.m.
