A seven-year-old girl has tragically died and four other children have been injured after a tree collapsed in Chalkwell Park in Essex.
The incident occurred around 3pm on Saturday in Chalkwell Park, Southend. Emergency services were swiftly called following reports of a tree partially toppling with children underneath.
Upon arrival, officers discovered several children trapped and injured beneath the fallen tree. All five were rushed to the hospital. Two girls, aged seven and six, were in a serious condition.
Later that evening, Essex Police confirmed the devastating news: the seven-year-old had succumbed to her injuries. The six-year-old girl remains in a critical state. The remaining three children are being treated for less severe injuries.
“The park was busy with members of the public and many immediately went to their aid,” Essex Police stated. “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 to the hospital.”
Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett praised the immediate response: “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.
“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.”
He added, “My officers and our partners with the ambulance and fire service did all they could to help the two injured children. 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 officers are now supporting the family of the young girl. Police are still conducting enquiries to determine what caused the tragic collapse.
Although most areas of Chalkwell Park remain accessible, officials have cordoned off parts of the grounds as investigations continue. Footage from the scene showed increased police presence and an air ambulance stationed within the park.
Eyewitness Adam Hutchins, 47, recounted the chilling moment to EssexLive: “I heard there were kids playing on the tree. They heard a big crack. It must have been pretty loud. They went running over, and there were kids underneath the tree.
All the cricket guys ran over and tried to lift the tree up. I think it’s one of the oldest trees. It had metal stands propping it up.”
MP for Southend West and Leigh, David Burton-Sampson, expressed his sorrow: “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.”
Southend-on-Sea City Council Leader 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 27-hectare public space known for its lush flower gardens, two children’s playgrounds, and an array of sports facilities including cricket pitches, football fields, a skate park, basketball courts and tennis areas.
The community remains in shock following the tragic events, and support services are expected to be made available to residents and witnesses.
