CHENNAI: A morning commute turned dangerous for a family when a rain-weakened tree called thoongu moonji maram, collapsed onto their car on Sterling Avenue in Nungambakkam on Saturday.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 am. According to preliminary reports, the family was traveling in their car to TNagar when the roadside tree gave way, crashing onto the vehicle.

The impact caused significant damage to the front of the car. P Bhagyalakshmi (54), who was seated in the front left passenger seat, sustained a head injury. She was promptly transported by a 108 ambulance to the nearby KMC Government Hospital in Kilpauk for treatment. Hospital sources confirmed that her condition was stable.

Two other occupants, her daughter, Susanthika (26), and her son-in-law, Santhosh Kumar, escaped without visible external injuries. However, Susanthika reported experiencing pain following the shock of the incident.

Police personnel arrived at the scene to investigate, and confirmed that the tree on the roadside had been completely removed by Corporation workers by 9:55 am. Due to its location, the incident did not cause any major disruption to traffic flow on Sterling Avenue.

Authorities have indicated that heavy rains could have softened the ground, leading to the tree’s collapse.