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Massive Tree Falls, Blocks Shady Ave. In Squirrel Hill

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Four vehicles have varying degrees of damage after a massive tree came crashing down on them overnight in Squirrel Hill.

The tree came down around 1 a.m., blocking part of Shady Avenue, between Northumberland Street and Aylesboro Avenue. It also brought down power lines.

Crews were called out with chainsaws and heavy equipment, and trim after trim, finally, two of the cars hidden under a gigantic tree could be seen. The damage was pretty severe.

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(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Carley Risley stood by waiting to see the condition of her Subaru Impreza. Unfortunately, the entire back end was smashed in.

"I just finished paying it off. This month would've been the last time," said Risley.

A total of four cars were destroyed.

In the middle of the night, Risley woke up to a loud noise.

"Last night, at 1 in the morning, we heard a very loud bang and it was pretty scary, and then a car alarm going off. The car alarm was actually mine," said Risley.

Risley stayed the night at her boyfriend's house. Normally, she doesn't park too far down the street, but she did this time.

"I was pretty upset. Not happy," said Risley.

When the tree fell, a lot of power lines were knocked down. Four homes lost power.

Lori Mcadoo didn't have internet service. However, she's not too worried.

"Thankful nobody was injured," said Mcadoo.

Tree trimmers cut the tree down piece by piece.

City officials said the tree was hundreds of years old. Officials believe it was already on its last legs, and last night's storm sent it literally over the edge.

"In this particular case, the tree has root rot, which basically attacks the root system and makes the tree pulpy and fleshy and rots from the inside out," City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works Forester Lisa Ceoffe.

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(Photo Credit: KDKA)

As crews were cutting the tree down, a nest of bees came swarming out. Thankfully, a beekeeper came by, to find them a new home.

The tree was on private property, so the homeowner may get stuck with some costs.

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