Feb 20 • 22:07 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

'I thought it was just a branch,' says woman who survived tree fall in Ribeirão Preto, SP

A telemarketing operator survived after being struck by a falling tree in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, while walking home from work and is now recovering from her injuries.

In a miraculous survival story, Teresa Cristina Pereira Melo, a telemarketing operator, was struck by a falling tree in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, as she was walking home from work. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday in Praça Eugênio Assugenio, left her with a deep cut on her head and extensive bruising all over her body. Despite the injuries, she expressed disbelief at having survived, recounting how a doctor informed her that she had 'reborn' and that her birthday had changed due to the near-fatal incident.

Tragic events like this highlight the often-overlooked dangers posed by urban forestry, especially in populated areas where pedestrian traffic is common. The fall of the tree was captured on a security camera, showcasing the suddenness of the accident. Local residents, including Carmo Demarches Agustino, who witnessed the event, are drawn into discussions about public safety and the importance of maintaining urban greenery to prevent similar accidents in the future.

As Teresa recovers from her physical injuries, this incident raises awareness about safety measures taken by city administrations regarding tree maintenance. Community members are likely to advocate for better monitoring of trees in urban areas to prevent accidents like this from happening again. The resilience of individuals like Teresa serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety in our everyday environments.

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