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High winds cause tree to fall into house; 1 dead

High winds caused a dead tree to fall into a house on Baltimore Pike, killing one resident, according to the South Middleton Fire Department.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — One person is dead after high winds knocked a tree over in the middle of the night.

Emergency services received the call about the tree at 3:10 a.m. on March 11, according to Cumberland County Dispatch. 

The tree fell into a home on Baltimore Pike (Route 94) in Cumberland County, leaving a man dead, according to assistant fire chief Jake Metzger with South Middleton Township. The Cumberland County Coroner has identified the deceased as Scott Quickel, 45, of Gardners.

The assistant fire chief says at least three people were in the house at the time of the tree collapse, which is now a total loss. Officials believe rain softened the soil, making it easier for strong winds to uproot the dead tree.

Credit: WPMT FOX43

U.S. 94 was closed for several hours while crews worked at the scene, but roads have since reopened.

Pennsylvania State Police and the coroner are investigating the incident.

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