Man in his 20s dies after tree falls on his car in Mill Hill during Storm Boelo
The young driver was pronounced dead at the scene on Dollis Road, near Finchley Golf Club, as strong winds from Storm Boelo swept across the UK on Sunday 25 October.
A man in his 20s has died after a tree fell on his car while he was driving through Mill Hill, north-west London, the Metropolitan Police said.
The tree came down on Dollis Road, at the junction with Abercorn Road near Finchley Golf Club, shortly before 12.30pm on Sunday 25 October, as Storm Boelo brought strong winds across the country.
Police, paramedics, firefighters from Finchley Fire Station and an air ambulance went to the scene. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said no one else was hurt and his family have been told.
Dollis Road was closed while emergency services worked at the scene.
Police statement
Chief Inspector Guy Ellwood said: "This is a deeply tragic incident and our thoughts are with the loved ones of the young man who lost his life."
Pictures taken after the incident show a large tree trunk snapped close to its base on the grass verge beside the road, with heavy branches lying across the carriageway and over parked vehicles.
Dollis Road runs through Mill Hill in the London Borough of Barnet, close to the boundary with Finchley, and is a well-used local route linking the two areas.
Storm Boelo
Storm Boelo was named by the Met Office, which issued wind warnings, including an amber warning, as the storm moved in over the weekend of 24 and 25 October. The forecaster said the strongest and most damaging winds were expected in Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England, with disruption likely in places.
The storm followed closely behind Storm Austen, which had brought strong winds to the south of England and Wales earlier in the week.
The death in Mill Hill was one of two linked to falling trees during the storm. A man aged 60 died after being hit by a falling tree near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
Staying safe in high winds
During strong winds, drivers are generally advised to slow down, take extra care on tree-lined roads and watch for debris. Fallen trees or branches that are blocking a road or putting people in danger should be reported to the emergency services on 999. Trees that look damaged or unsafe on public land can be reported to the local council.
The latest weather warnings are published by the Met Office.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact the police on 101.