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Montreal Teen Miraculously Survives Crushing Tree Incident; Father Calls for Urban Tree Safety Review
A Montreal teenager is recovering after a massive tree, toppled by a violent thunderstorm, nearly claimed his life. Emmanuel Kamal, 15, was trapped beneath the tree on April 29th. Following seven operations and a medically-induced coma, he is now out of immediate danger, but faces extensive rehabilitation. His father, Elie Kamal, is now advocating for improved urban tree maintenance and inspection to prevent similar tragedies.
The Harrowing ordeal
Emmanuel was walking home from a friend’s house, intending to catch the metro, when the storm hit. He remembers little except the sky darkening. A large tree on Large Aisle in Ahuntsic gave way under the storm’s force, crushing him.
First responders initially gave Emmanuel a 1% chance of survival.His father, Elie, remained by his side throughout the ordeal, witnessing what he calls a miracle. Emmanuel spent twelve days in a coma, receiving numerous blood transfusions and undergoing multiple surgeries.
A Father’s Vigil and Plea for Change
Elie Kamal recounted the agonizing moments of learning about the accident. Initially, he thought his son might have simply visited the hospital with friends.The reality was far more devastating. He now believes a divine intervention played a role in Emmanuel’s survival, alongside excellent medical care.
Tragically, the family experienced another profound loss just months before. Emmanuel’s mother, Roba Youssef, passed away from cancer in December. Elie expressed the unimaginable pain of nearly losing both his wife and eldest son within a short period.
“I said to myself: if he leaves us, he will go to his mother and if he stays, he will stay with us,” Elie Kamal shared, reflecting on the gravity of the situation.
The Road to Recovery and Call for Action
Emmanuel faces a long and challenging rehabilitation due to a broken shoulder and collarbone, leg injuries, and a reconstructed pelvis. despite the pain and challenges, his father remains hopeful and grateful for the outpouring of support.
Returning to the site of the accident, Elie observed the fallen tree and noted signs of decay and internal damage. He believes the incident highlights the urgent need for cities to conduct thorough inventories and updates of their urban tree maintenance programs.
Pro Tip: Regular tree inspections by certified arborists can identify potential hazards before they become life-threatening. Homeowners and municipalities should prioritize these assessments.
He hopes that emmanuel’s accident will prompt a review of tree safety protocols to ensure public safety and prevent future incidents.
A Hockey Player’s Spirit
Emmanuel, a right winger for the Braves of Ahuntsic hockey team, is known for his competitive spirit and scoring ability. His coach, Louis-René Auclair, describes him as a dedicated player who brings a lot to the team. The hockey community has rallied around the Kamal family, with Coach Auclair creating a GoFundMe campaign to support them through this difficult time.
This isn’t just about one tree or one boy; it is indeed about a city’s responsibility to its citizens.
urban Tree Maintenance: A Closer Look
Urban tree maintenance encompasses a range of practices aimed at ensuring the health, safety, and aesthetic value of trees in urban environments. These practices include regular inspections, pruning, fertilization, pest and disease control, and, when necessary, tree removal.
| aspect of Urban Tree Maintenance | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Inspections | Checking trees for signs of disease,damage,or instability. | Early detection of problems prevents hazards. |
| Pruning | Removing dead, diseased, or overgrown branches. | Improves tree health, reduces risk of falling limbs. |
| Pest and Disease Control | Managing infestations and infections that can weaken or kill trees. | Protects tree health and prevents spread to other trees. |
| Tree Removal |
