A large tree fell on Route 45 in rural Pitalito on July 19, blocking traffic for several hours and trapping a vehicle. Three minors and one adult were briefly trapped, though no injuries were reported.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of July 19 at the access crossing to the El Guamal hamlet in the Regueros township. Strong winds and heavy rain toppled a rubber tree that fell onto the highway and damaged a nearby commercial kiosk.
The affected vehicle carried three minors and one adult. All were rescued with help from firefighters and personnel at the scene. Units from the Cuerpo de Bomberos Voluntarios de Pitalito, Gestión del Riesgo and Concesionaria Ruta al Sur cleared the road.
The Alcaldía de Pitalito stated that the tree had not been reported previously to the Oficina de Gestión del Riesgo. The municipal administration recalled that controlled pruning is underway and asked citizens to report trees at risk.