The ‘Car’ That Saved a UW Student from a Falling Tree During the Storm

A tree fell onto a Hyundai car during the storm that struck Washington state, but fortunately, the driver survived without injury, highlighting the safety of Hyundai vehicles. According to KING-TV, on the evening of the 19th (local time), a massive tree fell onto a blue Hyundai Accent driven by Tyson Ramirez (27) on 35th Avenue in the Lake City area, northeast of Seattle.

While driving downhill, Ramirez saw the tree falling toward his car and braced for impact. He recalled, "I curled up to minimize the shock, and soon the tree struck the roof of the vehicle."

The crash caused severe damage to the car, with the tree completely pressing down on the roof and both doors, trapping the driver inside. While waiting for rescue, Ramirez spent about 90 minutes stuck in the car. He said, "Even though I was trapped, I was grateful that I wasn’t injured," feeling both extreme shock and a sense of relief.

Passersby who witnessed the scene called 911, and fire rescue teams arrived to carry out the rescue operation. Some witnesses even suggested to Ramirez, "Take a photo to remember this moment."

Ramirez's parents, upon hearing the news of the accident, rushed to the scene and were relieved to reunite with their son. After being rescued, Ramirez hugged his parents and said, "I’m grateful to be able to return home safely." The firemen were able to save his life by removing the tree that had crushed the car and tearing open the doors for the rescue operation.

Due to the accident, Ramirez's vehicle was written off. He started an online fundraising campaign to raise money for a new car. The campaign page includes photos of the damaged vehicle and details of the accident, drawing significant attention. The fundraising goal is $5,000, and a substantial amount has already been raised.

This accident has brought attention to the safety of Hyundai vehicles. The Hyundai Accent, praised for its safety, seems to have played a crucial role in protecting the driver during the accident. Although the Accent, a compact sedan, has been discontinued in Korea, it remains one of the best value cars in its class in the U.S.

A similar case where vehicle safety played a critical role in saving a life is the Tiger Woods accident. In February 2021, renowned golfer Tiger Woods was involved in a severe accident in Los Angeles while driving a Genesis GV80. The vehicle rolled off the road and down a hill, severely damaging the front of the car. However, Woods miraculously survived what could have been a life-threatening situation.

According to local police, the GV80’s solid structure and numerous safety systems were key factors in saving Woods’ life. The vehicle’s interior largely remained intact, and Woods’ survival chances were further increased by wearing a seatbelt. Woods suffered leg injuries and was transported to the hospital for surgery, but his life was not in danger.

The recent storm caused massive damage across Washington state. In Seattle, strong winds reaching 30 meters per second hit homes and roads, leaving hundreds of thousands of households without power. The storm caused trees to fall, resulting in two fatalities, and several areas experienced damage to vehicles and buildings.

CNN described the storm as a "once-in-a-decade natural disaster" with immense destructive power. In the outskirts of Seattle, a tree fell on a house, killing one woman, and another fatality occurred at a homeless camp.

The storm is a weather phenomenon characterized by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure, accompanied by storms and strong winds. Meteorologists emphasize that both drivers and pedestrians should remain cautious during strong winds and heavy rain. They also warn that areas with dense trees pose a high risk of accidents due to falling branches and debris, requiring extra vigilance.