A parent died and a child was injured when a tree fell on a car in West Whiteland Township, Chester County, on Thursday morning, according to county officials.
West Whiteland Township police confirmed the parent’s identity as a 30-year-old woman in a press release distributed on social media Thursday evening.
Just before 10 a.m., a tree fell on the SUV she was driving near Stonegate Court and Ship Road.
According to West Whiteland Township police, evidence at the scene and witness testimony indicate that a 2011 Chevy Suburban was driving south on South Ship Road when a section of a tree fell onto the SUV’s roof. Authorities say the Chevy proceeded for a short distance before coming to a stop in the northbound lanes.
The parent was slain, and the child was taken to a hospital for treatment before being released to a family member, according to Chester County officials. According to West Whiteland Township police, the youngster was brought to Paoli Memorial Hospital, while the mom was pronounced deceased at the scene due to her injuries.
The West Whiteland Township Police Department, West Whiteland Township Station 6 Fire Department, and the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps all came to the area to assist.
The road was stopped as officials investigated, but it has already reopened.
A wind advisory is in effect for the Philadelphia region until 10 p.m., as wind chills of 40 to 50 mph have been impacting the area since this morning.
The West Whiteland Township Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the tragic incident. If anyone has any information, they can leave a tip on the department website.
Reference: Parent dead, child injured after tree falls on SUV in Pennsylvania suburb