Tree blown on to van

Driver and passenger escape serious injury

Fire crews from Peel were called out after high winds blew a large tree down on to a passing van.

The incident happened around 7.30am close to Ballacraine traffic lights.

The van - which contained two people - was badly damaged, but the passenger managed to free himself prior to the arrival of the fire services.

However, the driver remained trapped in the vehicle and hydraulic cutting equipment had to be used to free him.

He was treated at the scene for a minor hand injury.

The tree also brought down overhead power cables, leading to a loss of electricity in adjacent properties and knocking out the traffic lights at the junction.

DOI workers were also called to remove the tree from the road.