Former DCist Editor OK After Tree Collapses on His House
Photo courtesy Eddie Kim
Eddie says that the WUSA9 story mostly covered what happened (big tree falls on house, does major damage), with the exception of suggesting that he was asleep when the tree came down. "I wasn't sleeping at the time," he insists. But, he says, "we are all OK, and our insurance company has taken care of us so far."
The Kim family are currently in a hotel, as their gas, water and electricity have all had to be turned off, but Eddie says their insurance company is working on finding longer term accommodation for them.
Read more about Eddie's harrowing tale after the jump. We're so glad you and your family are all OK, man!
"The crack of a breaking tree is fairly distinctive and I knew a tree was falling, though I didn't know it was so close or that it would be landing on us," Eddie said. "I wasn't sure if anyone else was home, so I spent the first few minutes searching the house and looking under accessible areas. A few clues led me to believe that I was alone - both my parents were at a doctors appointment.
"A tree removal rep told me that the tree, in my neighbor's backyard, probably fell because it had grown in a V shape down to its roots and that the other half may be in danger of going as well. I don't believe weather was involved.
"Luckily, my house is built like a tank. The tree destroyed the ceiling of about half of the middle level of the house, nearly shearing off the rear wall and wooden deck."