In a heart-stopping incident captured on surveillance video in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, a massive, old tree nearly crushed Ben and Shelly Kerstein, along with a relative, on Saturday.

The Brooklyn family narrowly escaped serious injury or worse when a towering tree plummeted to the ground just as they passed by, as the New York Post reports, leading some to suggest that divine intervention was at play.

Shocking Scene Unfolds

The surprising event took place in the quiet neighborhood of Bensonhurst, located at the intersection of 59th Street and 20th Avenue. The area is known for its close-knit community and peaceful streets.

Ben and Shelly Kerstein were enjoying a leisurely walk with a relative. It was a normal Saturday until a sudden cracking sound broke the tranquility. Unbeknownst to them, a pivotal moment was about to unfold.

Shelly Kerstein had just commented on the tree's impressive age moments before it began to fall. Recognizing the danger, the family sprinted to safety, narrowly evading the descending timber. The tree, described as ancient and brittle, shattered into pieces upon impact with the ground, a violent end to what had been a serene day.

Shocking Escape Caught on Camera

The entire ordeal was caught on nearby security cameras. The footage shows the tree starting to tilt and the Kerstein family's frantic escape.

"The first reaction was shock, and the second, I realized this was from God and God saved us," recounted Ben Kerstein. The family then took a moment to celebrate their miraculous survival, expressing profound gratitude.

The video, now circulating online, illustrates just how close the family came to disaster. They stood in shock on the sidewalk, mere inches from where the tree landed.

Community Reaction and Support

Following the incident, the community rallied around the family, relieved that the situation did not turn tragic. Many locals came to view the scene, discussing the tree's condition and the miraculous escape.

"We’re Jews and that was no doubt God," Shelly Kerstein added passionately. "There's no question, he put us there for a reason, to have that happen right before our eyes and save us for a reason too."

The property owner near where the tree stood declined to comment on the incident. However, many in the neighborhood have raised concerns about the safety of other old trees in the area.

How We Process Unforeseen Dangers

The unpredictable nature of such incidents reminds us of the need for vigilance and preparedness. It's crucial for communities to regularly assess the health and stability of aging urban trees to prevent potential accidents.

Though the event was unexpected, it provided an important opportunity for the community to come together and reflect. Many were left contemplating the slim margin between normalcy and catastrophe.

The family's shock was visible in their reaction and subsequent interviews, emphasizing the intensity of their experience and their relief at having survived unscathed.

Lessons to Learn

While this incident was a narrow escape and not a tragedy, it serves as a stark reminder of what could have been. Here are a few lessons to consider:

1. Always be aware of your surroundings. Even in familiar places, unexpected dangers can arise.
2. Advocate for regular maintenance. Ensure that your community conducts regular checks on large trees, especially those that are visibly old or weakened.
3. Prepare for emergencies. While we cannot predict every danger, being prepared to react quickly can be lifesaving.

Despite these precautions, it's important to remember that accidents can still occur, and it's vital to not blame those involved, as oftentimes, these situations are out of their control.

Why This Story Matters

This story is significant because it highlights the fragile line between ordinary life and potential disaster. It reminds us of the importance of community awareness and proactive safety measures.

The incident also draws attention to the role of faith and personal belief in interpreting events and coping with experiences that could have ended differently.

Ultimately, the story of the Kerstein family's near-miss serves as a cautionary tale that encourages both gratitude for life's blessings and a commitment to ensuring the safety of our environments.