A huge branch snapped from a tree on Bath Street, Somerset, on May 26, landing just a metre away from 40‑year‑old dog walker Yuan Zhang . CCTV from the New Crown Inn recorded the near‑miss, and emergency crews responded within minutes.

Branch fell a metre from Yuan Zhang on May 26

The falling limb struck the pavement seconds after Zhang and her dog passed beneath it, missing her by only about a metre. zhang recalled an uneasy feeling and instinctively moved left, narrowy avoiding what could have been a fatal impact.

Pub landlady Charlotte Symonds heard the crash

Charlotte Symonds, landlady of the New Crown Inn, described the sound as “loud and terrifying” as the branch hit the ground. Her partner, standing in the porchway,saw the limb miss Zhang by a narrow margin, confirming how close the danger was.

Council inspection uncovered hidden structural weakness

Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) sent tree specialists within an hour, and they identified a concealed defect in the branch that had not been visible during the June inspection when the tree was deemed healthy, according to Councillor Manda Rigby.

Emergency response kept traffic flowing

Police, ambulance staff and council crews quickly secured the scene, blocking one side of the road while keeping the opposite lane open for vehicles. the prompt action prevented further accidents while the fallen wood was cleared.

Who will ensure tighter tree monitoring?

The incident has reignited debate over how often urban trees are examined, especially those near footpaths and public venues. As the council stressed, without this near‑miss the defect might have remained undetected, raising questions about inspection frequency and resource allocation.