A Tree's Revenge?

This fallen tree is blocking a gate onto a (now disused) path.
The thought sprang to mind that perhaps this tree became a "kamikaze tree".
Having seen one of its brothers cut down and turned into a gate right in front of it, the tree decided to avenge the crime by casting itself across the path. Taking its own life but, in so doing, negating the purpose of the gate and returning the path to nature.
On the other hand, maybe it was struck by lightning!