What started as a regular, hot afternoon turned into a nightmare for San Mateo handyman Humberto Montoya and his 4-year-old son, Ysander. They were relaxing in the shade when a massive valley oak tree suddenly crashed down on their pickup truck, trapping the child inside and leaving both injured.
The valley oak is the largest oak tree variety in North America, and these trees can reach over 100 feet in height.
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Montoya recalled the terrifying moment speaking with KTUV FOX 2 San Francisco, saying, “I heard the tree snapping, and I looked up … I heard my son screaming for help, ‘Papa, help!’”
Montoya, who was standing outside the truck, says he pushed heavy branches off himself after falling to the ground. His son was pinned inside with the steering wheel pushing down on his legs as the boy cried out in pain.
A nearby construction crew sprang into action to get the boy out. The superintendent of the crew, Andrew McManus, described their quick rescue, “I just heard a little child crying and it got to me … It was smashed. I think If that truck was a little forward by a foot, it would’ve been a completely different story.”
Medical bills and missing tools
The shocking story doesn’t end there. Ysander was rushed to the hospital where his leg was put in a cast. He ended up needing surgery to repair his leg, according to a Go Fund Me started to help the Montoya family.
“We are asking the community to help contribute to medical bills, time off work and new vehicle for work as Humberto is the sole provider for his family of 4,” says the page, which has so far raised $11,300 out of a $20,000 goal.
As the family reeled from the trauma, there was one more heartbreak for Montoya. When he returned to the crash site two days later, his tools, which he needs for his work, had been stolen from the wreckage.
City negligence?
Montoya and his son weren’t the only ones who were affected. Another car was damaged and another individual was trapped under branches from the same tree.
The fallen valley oak stood on a public sidewalk and was pushing up the pavement, according to the Montoya family.
“A lot of people in the community have reported that the tree was already rotten and they have called the city to let them know,” said Diana Navarrete, Montoya’s wife and Ysander’s mother, to KTUV. "They’d seen the pavement lift so they should have taken action."
The city of San Mateo confirmed the tree was a valley oak and told KTUV they’re reviewing records for any complaints.
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Green Fashion Nursery owner Berto Heredia, whose property also suffered damage, confirmed there had been warnings to city officials.
"This is something we’ve called the city about before. We informed them that this tree is old," Heredia told KTVU. "When you call, you get a city clerk who says they’ll be back to you in a day or two. And unfortunately, you know, nothing was caught in time before things like this happen."
His nursery lost roughly a third of its inventory in the collapse.
According to the city of San Mateo website, they are responsible for the maintenance of trees that are on city property, including scheduled pruning, removal of dead and hazardous trees and responding to resident concerns about dangerous trees.
If the city’s investigation finds that the tree was not properly maintained or that resident complaints about its condition were ignored, it’s possible it could be held liable for damages resulting from the tree’s fall.
As for the Montoya family, they are grappling with recovery and financial strain, relying on their community and strangers to help turn this tragedy around.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
