Three Hawke's Bay residents had a lucky escape after a tree fell on their cars as Cyclone Cook passed through Havelock North on Thursday night.
Both cars had slowed down in Lucknow Rd, Havelock North, just after 8.30pm because of a fallen tree on the road.
As one car made its way around the tree and drew up alongside the other car, another large tree fell on both cars.
Elizabeth Wilmot, who is in her 60s, was on her way back from church and driving a small Peugeot.
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The large tree smashed the windscreen and damaged the front of her car.
She was uninjured and was able to get out of the car with the assistance of nearby residents, husband Ian Wilmot said.
Ian Wilmot took her home, where she had a stiff gin and tonic and was fine, if a little shaken.
"She was very lucky, it could have been much worse," he said. "The car which we have had for two years looks like it bore the brunt of it."
Margaret and Jim Ryniker were in the second car when the tree came down.
They had just left their daughter's house to head home.
The tree landed across the front of their car and Jim sustained minor injuries to his ear and the side of his face.
Margaret was extremely shaken.
Both were admitted to Hawke's Bay Hospital and discharged late on Thursday night.
Daughter Nikky Ryniker-Doull said her parents were lucky.
"Mum was very shaken up by it, quite hysterical.
"She is better this morning, but keeps having visions of the tree coming on to the car."
Residents of Lucknow Rd cut the treeson Friday morning with chainsaws and cleared the road. The cars were taken away.
The Rynikers' car was able to be driven home and the Wilmots' car was towed.
- Stuff
Source: www.bing.com