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Cars demolished in storms

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Thursday’s storm knocked over a big tree on the east side of Indianapolis, crushing two cars.

Both cars belonged to the same woman.

According to homeowner Jan Vandever, the tree was old and needed to be taken down. She said she spoke to the city several times about taking it down, but it never happened.

On Thursday, the tree fell, crushing two of her cars on the 1900 block of North Parker Avenue.

“When I stepped on the porch that’s when I saw this, and I just screamed, I was like, ‘Oh my God.’” she said.

She said she has been on the phone with her insurance company and the city since January to get the tree taken down.

“I know I’m blessed because again it could’ve fell on the house.” Vandever added.

Her story was not unique across Marion County on Thursday, The Department of Public Works said they were working around the clock to clean up storm damage.

“The tree line is the responsibility of Indianapolis Power and Light, but we are responsible for right-of-way stuff, so if it’s on the side walk or street we do handle that.” DPW spokesperson Jennifer Hashem said.

Hasham said DPW received more than 100 calls, most of which reported fallen trees.

A lot of limbs and another big tree extended across the 54th Street where Mark Shoup lives. He said it’s par for the course in his community.

“You just get used to things, we kind of look after each other here take care of each other, but we’re always concerned like everybody when these big storms come around,” he said.

Both trees were removed by mid-Thursday.

DPW said residents should call the Mayor’s Action Center at (317) 327¬-4622 to report any fallen trees or storm debris that occurs in a public area.