A group of diners at a popular cafe in Fort Kochi had a miraculous escape when a massive, rotting tree branch crashed onto the eatery. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday at e-Kochi Cafe, located near Delta School. According to police, there were customers in the cafe when the heavy branch suddenly gave way, damaging the roof and several tables. However, no one was injured. The structural damage to the cafe is estimated at Rs 50,000.
Negligence Allegations
The incident sparked criticism from local business owners, who allege negligence by civic authorities. According to them, multiple complaints regarding the hazardous, drying branches had been submitted over the past three months, but no action was taken to prune them. Merchants pointed out that several other dry branches are currently hanging directly over a nearby transformer.
Previous Incidents
In December last year, a 150-year-old rain tree uprooted near Fort Kochi beach, damaging a row of stalls and eateries. In that instance too, shop owners had repeatedly warned heritage and village offices about the tree’s dangerous condition to no avail. Business owners are now demanding immediate intervention before official apathy results in a tragedy.
Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. Download the TOI App.
