Girl, 7, Dies After Tree Collapses in Southend Park – Another Child Critical
A seven-year-old girl has tragically died and another child remains in critical condition after a large tree partially collapsed at Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
The two girls, aged seven and six, were among several children who were caught beneath the falling tree at around 2.55pm on Saturday. Emergency services rushed to the scene and both were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, the older child later died.
Three other children sustained minor injuries and were also treated by paramedics.
Emergency Response
A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service said:
“We were called at 2.55pm to reports that a tree had fallen in Chalkwell Park. Six ambulances, three ambulance officer vehicles, the London Air Ambulance and Kent Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.”
Investigation Underway
Essex Police have launched an investigation into what caused the tree to collapse. They have not yet confirmed whether structural failure, environmental conditions, or other factors were involved.
Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett of Essex Police said:
“Families are facing unimaginable hardship this evening, and all of our thoughts are with them.
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. Many went from enjoying the warm summer weather to rushing to the aid of strangers without a second thought.”
He added that emergency responders — including police, ambulance crews, and firefighters — did everything they could:
“Today’s loss is one they will all take personally.”
Community Reaction
David Burton-Sampson, local MP for Southend, expressed his condolences:
“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.”
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
The area around the tree remains cordoned off as forensic teams and council investigators examine the site. Authorities are expected to inspect the safety of other trees in the park as a precaution.
Police have asked the public to avoid the area while enquiries continue. Anyone with information or footage of the incident is urged to contact Essex Police on 101 quoting reference ChalkwellPark28/06.
Tags: #Southend #ChalkwellPark #EssexPolice #ParkTragedy #ChildSafety #TreeCollapse #BreakingNews #EssexNews
