513908000_3ca4113ad5_o Tom Purcell / Flickr CC Tom Purcell / Flickr CC / Flickr CC

A WELL KNOWN giant sequoia tree known for the huge tunnel carved through it has toppled during a storm in California at the weekend.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the historic Pioneer Cabin Tree in Calaveras Big Trees State Park came down during heavy rains yesterday.

The tree was hollowed out in the 1880s to allow tourists to pass through it.

tree Calaveras Big Trees State Park Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Cars later used the massive tunnel, but more recently it has hosted only hikers.

Park volunteer Jim Allday says the tree shattered as it hit the ground.

15873285_10154814677455135_3372338653386141552_n Calaveras Big Trees Association Calaveras Big Trees Association

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There was no immediate word on what caused the tee to fall, but the Chronicle reports that it was probably connected to the tree’s shallow root system.

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Famous Pioneer Cabin Tree felled by storm in California

Read: Explainer: What is the ‘cash for ash’ scandal?

Read: “We are growing rather tired of these accusations”: Moscow hits back at hacking claims

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.