The large tree was believed to weigh around 50 tonnes and be more than 150 years old.
GEORGE TOWN: An elderly man endured a frightening ordeal after a large tree, believed to weigh around 50 tonnes and be more than 150 years old, crashed onto his home in Jalan Batu Gantung last night.
The 83-year-old was successfully rescued by firefighters and escaped unharmed.
Paya Terubong Fire and Rescue Station operations commander Mohd Zaini Zainudin said the department received an emergency call at 8.48pm, with firefighters arriving at the scene roughly seven minutes later.
He said the response involved 19 personnel, assisted by the Volunteer Fire Brigade (PBS), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the police and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
“On arrival, we found two houses affected by the incident. The first, which was unoccupied, suffered damage to its gate and roof.
“The second house sustained damage to its fence and the roof of the car porch, and one of three vehicles parked there was also damaged,” she said.
He added that initial checks revealed an elderly man was trapped inside the second house after the fallen tree blocked the exit.
Firefighters used specialised cutting equipment to remove branches, while assistance from an MBPP crane was also required to clear the debris.
Mohd Zaini said the operation was particularly challenging due to fallen electrical cables and the enormous size of the trunk and branches, which made cutting work difficult and hazardous.
“We were also concerned about any sudden movement of the tree, as it could have endangered the rescuers,” he said.
He added that the operation was later handed over to MBPP for further action, including the removal of the fallen tree once rescue efforts were completed.