Local

Large tree falls through garage apartment

CHARLOTTE — Large tree falls through garage apartment

Hundreds of people are without electricity in one south Charlotte neighborhood after a tree fell, knocking down area power lines. Duke Energy said power to the area should be restored by noon on Sunday.

Heavy rains caused part of a rotten tree to fall onto one homeowner's above-garage apartment on Ridgewood Avenue early Saturday.  Homeowner Scott Mercer heard the loud noise when the tree fell.

"We were just inside watching television, and heard this huge explosion and came outside. I had no idea what had happened and that's what happened," Mercer said as he pointed at the tree.

The Charlotte Fire Department helped secure the area, but hours later around 6 p.m., the remainder of the tree fell to the ground. No one was hurt, but the tree took down area power lines and struck another tree that neighbors now worry will also fall.

The homeowner told Channel 9 it will cost approximately $100,000 to repair the damage done to his above-garage apartment.

According to Duke Energy's website, more than 300 customers are without power as of 7 p.m. Saturday.