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Posted: November 3, 2009

Rotten roots caused tree to topple on UNC campus

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Tree Falls at UNC; 2 Stuck underneath

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Tree Falls at UNC; 2 Stuck underneath

Chapel Hill, N.C. — Rotting roots caused a tree to fall Monday on the University of North Carolina campus, injuring two students, officials said Tuesday.

The tree fell shortly before 2 p.m. outside Mitchell Hall, off South Columbia Street.

Sheryl Singerling was treated at the scene, and Amber Hathcock was taken to UNC Hospitals for treatment. Hathcock was released from the hospital Tuesday.

UNC campus arborist Tom Bythell said the tree's roots had rotted, causing it to uproot and topple. Groundskeepers examine trees on campus almost daily to try to prevent such occurrences, he said.

RELATED TOPICS: UNC-Chapel Hill

Copyright 2011 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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6 Comments


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Latest Comments
I know! I know! It was chemtrails!!!!!!
Click to view my profile EverythingTicksMeOff
November 4, 2009 10:00 a.m.
What does the DualDoppler5000 tell you? Are there more trees that will be falling? Will any fall in my yard?
Click to view my profile SantaClaus
November 4, 2009 9:34 a.m.
Must have missed checking on this one for a day or two.
Click to view my profile southern wisdom
November 4, 2009 8:20 a.m.
If a tree has an uneven weight distribution such as an asymmetrical crown or a distinct lean, it is possible for it to fall without any external force being applied - gravity is always trying to pull trees down.

Root rot is not uncommon, especially in an environment as unnatural as a college campus. I hope the injured people recover.
meh2
November 3, 2009 5:12 p.m.
Somebody must have hugged it too hard.
veyor
November 3, 2009 4:49 p.m.
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