Lampang: A summer storm hit Lampang City, bringing with it heavy hail and causing disruption across the region. In a dramatic turn of events, strong winds led to the fall of a 100-year-old sacred tree, which landed on an electric pole in a village, resulting in a power outage.

According to Thai News Agency, the storm struck yesterday evening at around 5:00 p.m. in the Mueang Lampang District. The storm unleashed strong winds and hail in some areas, while in Ban Fon Village, Chompoo Subdistrict, the storm’s impact was particularly severe. The combination of thunder, lightning, and heavy rain caused the uprooting of a 15-meter-high Khajao tree, considered sacred by the community. The tree’s fall crushed power lines and broke two power poles, leaving at least ten houses without electricity.

The fallen tree, which had a spirit house nearby and a sign detailing its history, is registered as a significant tree by the Khelang Nakhon Lampang Municipality. The incident drew the attention of villagers, who were shocked by the tree’s fall and came out to document the aftermath, taking pictures of the tree’s registration number.

A 70-year-old villager expressed disbelief, recalling the Khajao tree as a constant presence since his birth. He remarked on the unexpected nature of the event, noting the tree’s age and the fact that it did not fall on any houses, suggesting a protective presence in the village.

In response to the incident, officials from the Electricity Authority and the Khelang Nakhon Lampang Municipality conducted inspections and used chainsaws to remove the fallen tree. Efforts to repair the damaged electric poles and restore power to the affected homes were promptly initiated.