Tree Falls On Tent While Campers Are Sleeping
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - Three people from Colorado narrowly escaped serious injury Saturday when a tree fell on top of their tent during a camping trip.
Michael Brade and Shelby Ginn had traveled from Aurora to Lake McConaughy near Ogallala, Nebraska to camp with family and friends. They were inside a tent with Brade's father when the heard cracking noises.
"I looked up and saw the shadow of the tree coming through the tent," Ginn said.
The tree crashed through the middle of their tent, pinning Brade and Ginn's legs. They managed to wriggle out from underneath of it without being seriously hurt. Brade sustained bruises to his thighs. Ginn has a swollen knee and is now getting around on crutches. Brade's father, who was on the left side of the tent at the time, was not hurt.
"We're very lucky," Ginn said. "Nothing's broken it hurts, it hurts to put weight on it, but it will go away."
The next day, looking at the tree and its roots, Ginn says the tree was probably rotten. Otherwise, she doesn't know what caused it to topple.
Both say the experience has not discouraged them from camping. The returned to Colorado feeling fortunate, and say they are planning their next camping trip.
Lauren DiSpirito reports for CBS4 News at 10 p.m. She covers breaking news and feature stories along Colorado's Front Range. Follow her on Twitter @CBS4Lauren. Share your story ideas with her here.