Fatal 2018 tree collapse linked to decayed roots, court told
Forester tells court tree was cut down to make way for traffic but was still anchored by one root
A massive tree that fell onto the road and killed a motorist in 2018 was being anchored by a single root, a court heard on Thursday.
Charles Grech, a forester, was testifying in court in a civil case brought by the wife of the motorist against various government entities, including Transport Malta.
Grech had gone to the site of the incident in 2018 to investigate the cause of the tree collapse.
He told the court that emergency workers had already cut down and removed the tree to make way for traffic.
However, Grech took a closer look at the tree stump and surrounding soil and found that the tree’s root system was dead, except for one root that was anchoring the entire tree to the ground.
Grech told the court that the roots appeared to have been dead for a while, likely due to the presence of fungi causing decay.
However, he said the exterior of the tree was deceiving. The tree itself appeared healthy, and the average gardener would not have noticed the decay.
Grech also explained the history of the trees planted on that road. He said the trees were planted in the early 1970s. The eucalyptus tree was the species of choice for the area because it grows rapidly and was well-adapted to local conditions.
During investigations, a limestone block was found buried in the soil beneath the tree, acting as a pivot but preventing the tree from developing its roots further into the ground. He said other trees in the road likely have the same rock structure underneath.
Grech pointed out that the upper canopy of the tree can create pressure on the roots during high winds if it grows unchecked.
He urged authorities to introduce licences for professionals working in arboriculture and pointed out that there are no local degrees in arboriculture, making it a relatively new profession on the island.
The case was presided over by Madam Justice Rachel Montebello.
In 2018, torrential rain and strong winds caused the tree to fall onto the vehicle as it was driving by. The incident left the driver dead and his wife in critical condition.