Credit union employees rescue drivers trapped under downed tree

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Three State Employees Credit Union workers are being credited with rescuing people Thursday after a tree toppled onto three vehicles in Midtown.

Heavy wind and rain caused a massive tree to fall over on Third Street near Kings Drive as the traffic light turned green during evening rush hour.

Luisa Hurtado, who is a financial services representative for SECU, was looking out of the window from the fourth floor when she saw the tree starting to fall in what she said looked like "slow motion."

"I would have never imagined for that to happen," Hurtado said. "It just sounded like a bang, almost like two pieces of metal clashing against each other hard."

Hurtado and two coworkers didn't hesitate. They sprinted down the stairs and outside into the pouring rain and rushed into action.

"It's just a crazy feeling," Hurtado said. "It still plays in my head."

Grayson Jackson, who is also a financial services representative, joined Hurtado in the rescue effort.

"Running down those stairs, I was thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, what is happening? Are they OK?’” Jackson said. "I started throwing leaves and limbs. Luisa got behind and started moving stuff."

Jackson and Hurtado ran toward one of the vehicles trapped. A third worker named Tyler ran toward another.

"It was definitely something my father taught me growing up, saying: ‘Hey, if someone is in danger, if someone needs help, help them. That should be your first instinct,’” Jackson said.

Hurtado said that selfless motto is instilled in SECU employees.

"Our motto here is, ‘People helping people,’" Hurtado said. "I just wanted to make sure we went out and assessed the situation and made sure everyone was OK."

While their clothes may be ruined and Jackson had to swap out his business shoes for sneakers for work Friday, both said they wouldn't think twice about doing it again.

"I said a little prayer after I left saying ‘Thank you for keeping everyone safe,’" Jackson said.

Despite the massive tree and major car damage, no one was hurt.

"That was just God looking out in that situation," Hurtado said.

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