Tree crashes onto truck in SW Atlanta, firefighters rescue driver

ATLANTA - Firefighters rescued a man in southwest Atlanta after a tree crashed onto his truck early Thursday morning. 

First responders told FOX 5 the 55-year-old man was on his way to work around 2:45 a.m. when the tree came crashing down on Lawton Street, and landed on the hood of his truck. 

The victim was able to call 911, as well as his wife.

It took rescue workers about 10 minutes to free the victim from the vehicle. Paramedics then rushed him to Grady Memorial Hospital, with what were described as moderate injuries.  

The man was alert and conscious when leaving the scene. Firefighters said if he had been about a foot further down the road, he could have been killed.

Firefighters said the tree that fell was about 50 years old, planted between the sidewalk and the road. Crews think it's roots simply gave out because of Wednesday's storm.  

Workers chopped up the tree and moved it out of the street.  

Firefighters said the victim just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.