Southend-on-Sea City Council is deeply saddened following a tragic incident in Chalkwell Park on the afternoon of Saturday 28 June.
Shortly before 3pm, the council was notified that a tree had partially collapsed in a busy part of the park. A number of children were caught beneath it and sustained injuries.
Members of the public immediately rushed to help, and emergency services, including police, ambulance and fire crews, were quickly on the scene to provide urgent care and support.
Five children were injured. Two sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital. We are devastated to confirm that one of those children, a seven-year-old girl, has since died. Her family is being supported by specialist officers, and our deepest sympathies are with them. The other child remains in a critical condition. Three other children were treated for minor injuries.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said: “Today, an incident occurred at Chalkwell Park when a tree fell, injuring five children. Two children sustained serious injuries and tragically one of those children has since died. The three other children are being treated locally for minor injuries.
“The death of a child is devastating, and my deepest, most heartfelt condolences are with the child's family and friends. My thoughts are also with the injured children and those on the scene. I hope the other children make a full and speedy recovery.
“This was a traumatic event for those involved, those who witnessed the incident, and the emergency services. I encourage those affected to seek support.”
Cllr Nigel Folkard, Mayor of Southend, added: "I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of a young life following the incident in Chalkwell Park today. As both Mayor and a Chalkwell councillor, my thoughts are with the child's family, friends, and all those affected.
“I ask our community to come together in support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time.”
An investigation is now underway to understand how this tragic incident occurred. The majority of Chalkwell Park remains open, but areas directly affected are clearly cordoned off. We ask that people continue to avoid those sections while enquiries are ongoing.
For further resources on coping with experiencing a traumatic incident, please visit the NHS website.