Tree Falls on Via Roma in Prato, Injuring Driver and Causing Traffic Chaos
Prato, Italy, January 15, 2026 – A near-tragedy unfolded this morning in Prato when a large tree fell onto Via Roma, striking a car in transit and causing significant disruption. The incident, which occurred just before 8:30 AM, involved a 30-year-old driver who was on his way to work. Fortunately, he sustained only minor injuries and was later discharged from the hospital.
Emergency Response and Road Closure
The tree, reportedly weighing 20 tons, fell from a private garden located shortly after the intersection with Via Roncioni, in the direction of the Soccorso church. The impact was primarily absorbed by the canopy of the tree, which mitigated the force on the vehicle. Several parked cars were also involved in the incident.
Emergency services, including the 118 ambulance service, firefighters, and local police, were immediately dispatched to the scene. The injured driver was attended to by paramedics and transported to the hospital for treatment, from which he was released later in the morning.
Marco Maccioni, commander of the local police, described the event as a “near-tragedy,” emphasizing the sheer weight of the fallen tree. He confirmed that the local police had to close the affected section of Via Roma to traffic, diverting all vehicles onto Via Zarini. This rerouting, especially during peak morning hours, resulted in considerable traffic congestion throughout the entire area.
Removal Operations and Investigation
Firefighters initiated the complex process of removing the massive tree from the roadway. Technicians from Consiag were also called to the site to assess the health of the tree, indicating a potential investigation into the cause of its fall. The removal operations, carried out by Prato Noleggi, were expected to be lengthy, with an estimated completion time around 8:00 PM.
A passerby was the first to offer assistance, promptly helping the injured driver out of his car. The driver’s mother, who arrived at the scene, expressed immense relief that her son’s injuries were not severe, stating, “He was going to work, and suddenly, as he passed, the tree hit him. Fortunately, he is not serious; he has severe back pain. I would say he is a miracle, when I saw the car, I feared the worst.”
Impact on Local Commuters and Future Actions
The incident significantly impacted daily commuters in Prato, highlighting the vulnerability of urban areas to such unforeseen events. The closure of a major thoroughfare like Via Roma during rush hour underscores the need for proactive measures in tree maintenance and urban planning.
In light of this event, the Municipality of Prato has announced an intensification of checks on trees in public areas and urged private owners to do the same. This proactive approach aims to prevent similar incidents and ensure public safety.
This incident follows other recent events in the region, including reports of heavy rainfall and concerns about the stability of trees. The focus on tree safety and urban infrastructure is likely to remain a priority for local authorities in the coming months.
