A lorry was damaged severely by branches after a thunderstorm which lasted for half hour at Commonwealth Crescent late in the afternoon, says a STOMPer.

The STOMPer who was at the scene said in an email:

"Heavy showers and strong winds plagued residents at Commonwealth earlier this evening (Dec 11) for half-an-hour between 4.30pm to 5pm.

"Unfortunately, branches broke off from the old trees and collapsed on several vehicles parked at the open-air carpark along Commonwealth Crescent, opposite Block 94 and beside Block 96.

"Most damaged lorry was a blue one, owned by Mr Pang Teh Tee, 75 years.

"His friend passing by the area saw that his lorry was damaged, and went to Mr. Pang's home to inform him of the damage.

"Mr Pang, a retiree, and his wife immediately went down to see what happened. He is hoping that insurance would cover the damages and is waiting to see what happens.

"Another lorry affected belongs to Seetoo Pest Control. The lorry was parked beside Mr. Pang's blue lorry. Slight dents were found at the top of the silver lorry.

"Mr Tan Chye Hock works for Seetoo Pest Control and said that if this case is classified as third-party, he is unable to make an insurance claim.

"The 55-year-old also mentioned that falling branches is a common sight at Commonwealth Crescent especially during thunderstorms. Trees surrounding the open-air carparks are old, and overgrown.

"He feels that the Town Council should make an effort to conduct more regular and frequent checks. 'It's very dangerous. If the fallen branches can cause such damage to a lorry. Imagine what would happen if it fell on someone. Thank goodness no one was hurt in today's incident,' says Mr Tan.

"Police arrived at the scene together with the Town Council about an hour after the incident was reported. At 6.30pm, the Town Council was seen removing the branches and tree-pruning."