Tuesday, April 9, 2002

TREE ACROSS HIGHWAY SENDS ONE TO HOSPITAL
Heyden, Ont.

At 9:00 last night, Sault O.P.P. responded to a report of a vehicle striking a tree on Highway 17 at the top of the infamous "Mile Hill". The tree, 45 feet in length and 3 feet in diameter, had fallen off a rock cut and onto the highway where it covered three lanes. An unsuspecting Henry Kling, age 59, of Goulais River was driving northbound when he struck the large Maple tree. His wife, Margaret, age 56, a passenger in the car, was injured in the impact and was transported to Sault Area Hospitals by ambulance. She was treated for minor injuries and released.

Fog and persistent rain hampered visibility making it extremely difficult to see the tree. The vehicle, a 2001 Pontiac Sunbird was extensively damaged. The wearing of seat belts and the deployment of air bags are credited with protecting the Klings from serious injury. The MTO removed the tree with a payloader.