[Ammi]

A seven-year-old girl has died and four other children have been injured after a tree fell in a park in Essex.

Emergency services were called to reports that a tree had partially collapsed in Chalkwell Park in Southend, at around 3pm on Saturday, police said.

Officers found a number of children caught beneath the tree suffering injuries. Five children were taken to hospital, including two in a serious condition.

Essex Police said on Saturday evening one of the children, a 7-year-old girl, had died of her injuries. A second girl, aged six, remains in a critical condition. Three other children are being treated for minor injuries.

“The park was busy with members of the public and many immediately went to their aid”, the force said in a statement. “Officers, paramedics and firefighters were soon on the scene and provided care. Two children, girls aged seven and six, suffered serious injuries and were taken on to hospital.

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said: “Families are facing unimaginable hardship this evening and all of our thoughts are with them at this time.

“I cannot begin to put into words how difficult today’s events have been, and continue to be, for them. It’s also not lost on me how traumatic it must have been for the members of the public who witnessed this awful incident”, the statement continued.

“Across a matter of moments, many of them went from enjoying the warm summer weather to rushing to the aid of strangers without a second thought. They showed the best of Southend today and I’m sorry this update does not bring them more positive news.

“My officers, and our partners with the ambulance and fire service, did all they could to help the two injured children,” the police chief said. “Today’s loss is one they will all take personally.

“We will ensure support is in place for all of our emergency service responders who provided aid at the scene.”

Specialist police officers are supporting the seven-year-old’s family.

Police are continuing enquiries at the park as they investigate the circumstances around the incident. While the majority of the park remains open, the force asked the public to avoid clearly cordoned off areas.

Footage showed an increased police presence around the perimeter of the park and an air ambulance on the grounds.

One witness, Adam Hutchins, 47, told EssexLive: “I heard there were kids playing on the tree. They heard a big crack. It must have pretty loud. They went running over and there were kids underneath the tree.

“All the cricket guys ran over and tried to loft the tree up. I think it’s one of the oldest trees. It had metal stands propping it up.”

Southend West and Leigh MP David Burton-Sampson added: “The news of the sad death of one of the children involved in the incident at Chalkwell Park today is truly devastating.

“I am sure I reflect the thoughts of all our residents here in Southend in sending my deepest condolences to the child’s family and friends.

“My thoughts are also with the other children injured and I wish them a full and speedy recovery.

“At the time of the incident the park was very busy and a number of people witnessed what happened.

“I understand that this must have been deeply traumatising and I encourage residents to use the support available to help them.”

Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council Daniel Cowan said: “I’m aware of this very serious incident. We’re working with Essex police, the Ambulance Service and Fire Service, who are still at the scene.


“I do understand that a tree has fallen, there’s a number of casualties and we’re just asking the public to avoid the area whilst those services carry out their work, and my thoughts are with those affected.”

Chalkwell Park is a recreational ground that covers 27 hectares and contains a number of flower gardens, two children’s playgrounds, a skate park, and football, cricket, basketball and tennis grounds.

[Ammi]

…incredibly tragic …and still a child critically injured in hospital as well as the little girl killed…shattering for the families…I wonder how often the ‘oldest trees in the park’ are checked for their safety …

[Mystic Mock]

That's terrible.

I'm not a tree expert, so I can't comment on what should've been done beforehand.

However I hope that the people in the Hospital make a speedy recovery.

[Cherie]

Just so tragic, not sure checking trees is high on the list of priorities of councils and some of these trees are so old they have preservation orders on them

[Ammi]

…(…I’m thinking…)…that the fallen tree would have had periodical checks/surveys as apparently parts of it had been held together with metal braces for several years…so possibly monitored more than other older park trees…?…

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Ammi

…(…I’m thinking…)…that the fallen tree would have had periodical checks/surveys as apparently parts of it had been held together with metal braces for several years…so possibly monitored more than other older park trees…?…

oh okay I was not aware that it was held up with metal braces, looks like somebody is at fault here then

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Cherie

oh okay I was not aware that it was held up with metal braces, looks like somebody is at fault here then

…so many people/families in the park enjoying the sunshine who saw the branch fall on the children but we’re helpless to prevent them from being harmed…just very, very awful for everyone witnessing it too and hearing their screams…

[Glenn.]

Awful. Those poor families.

Wasn’t there a discussion on here a while back about a tree being cut down because it posed health and safety concerns. I remember people siding with the tree over the safety of people.

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by Glenn.

Awful. Those poor families.

Wasn’t there a discussion on here a while back about a tree being cut down because it posed health and safety concerns. I remember people siding with the tree over the safety of people.

There was.

Weren't it over the Tree that was in the Robin Hood Movie?

[Glenn.]

Originally Posted by Mystic Mock

There was.

Weren't it over the Tree that was in the Robin Hood Movie?

One Toby Carvery cut down.

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by Glenn.

One Toby Carvery cut down.

I've just read the article.

By the sounds of it, I think that Toby Carvery made the right decision.

We have to value Human lives (plus other living creatures lives,) over an aging Tree that's becoming dangerous to everyone within it's vicinity.

[Maru]

That's the one thing about living in a subtropical climate prone to extreme weather is we don't really have this problem with trees "randomly" falling down. It's usually taken out by a major storm/drought conditions/very heavy rains before it becomes a sudden problem. And if it's imminent, owners and public recreation are quick to do their due diligence before it risks life or a structure before a wind storm comes in... which can happen most times of the year.