Newsreader’s script
A twenty-metre palm tree collapsed into the Coogee Bay Hotel beer garden, destroying two large tables and terrifying those nearby. It was a natural disaster to be certain, but left a remarkable death toll of zero.
No injuries were reported, but the incident has raised some serious questions about tree safely in the outdoor restaurant and pub. Mariah Gillespie has more.
Story script (duration 1:09)
Many at the Coogee Bay were grateful for grey skies, as sunshine just may have brought more people, a packed pub and the potential for disaster.
Miraculously, the tables underneath this palm were empty when the massive treetop fell unexpectedly into the beer garden.
Take: UPSOT
NAME: William Home
IN-CUE: CANARY ISLAND DATE PALM TREES USUALLY WEIGH AROUND THIRTEEN HUNDREN KILOS PER TRUNK METER. IF ANYONE HAD BEEN SITTING THERE, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED TO DEATH, IF NOT SEVERELY INJURED.
DURATION: 0’08”
Many of these palm trees, common in Australia, border the Coogee Bay Hotel beer garden on Arden Street.
Without warning, the top of the tree collapsed, interrupting an unusually quiet afternoon in Coogee.
Martin Szyndler was sitting close enough to have leaves land in his glass.
Take: UPSOT
NAME: Martin Szyndler
IN-CUE: USUALLY WHEN I COME HERE ON FRIDAYS, EVERY TABLE OUTSIDE IS FULL. LUCKILY WE WERE AT THE NEXT TABLE OVER.
DURATION: 0’06”
Managers immediately blocked off the area and called City Council to have the debris removed.
The remains were chopped and hauled onto the truck within the hour, as murmurs of astonishment and relief circulated throughout the pub.
TAKE: UPSOT
NAME: PTC
IN-CUE: WHILE NOTHING COULD HAVE BEEN DONE TO PREVENT THIS NEAR-CATASTROPHE, OWNERS OF THE HOTEL SAY THEY PLAN ON HAVING ALL OF THE TREES IN THE SURROUNDING AREA CHECKED FOR DURABILITY.
DURATION: 0’08”
What’s left of the broken tree remains among the line of palms, reminding us that nature sometimes has a mind of its own.
Mariah Gillespie, National Nine News
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