Chalkwell Park Tragedy - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Chalkwell Park Tragedy – A SEVEN-year-old child died and another (at the time of writing) is in a critical condition in hospital after a tree collapsed on a group of children in Chalkwell Park.

Chalkwell Park Tragedy - A SEVEN-year-old child died and another (at the time of writing) is in a critical condition in hospital after a tree collapsed on a group of children in Chalkwell Park.

A SEVEN-year-old child died and another (at the time of writing) is in a critical condition in hospital after a tree collapsed on a group of children in Chalkwell Park.

Six ambulances, two air ambulances, firefighters and police officers rushed to the scene just before 3pm on Saturday, June 29 as the horrific incident unfolded.

Five children were trapped underneath the cedar tree, which had split and partially collapsed, filling the park with their screams and cries for help.

A witness who was playing cricket nearby described how around 40 to 50 people including his team ran to the tree and tried to lift the branches off the trapped children.

One child, a seven-year-old girl, was tragically killed, whilst another remained in a critical condition in hospital.

Speaking on the evening of the incident, Ch Supt Leighton Hammett said: “I cannot begin to put into words how difficult today’s events have been, and continue to be, for them [the families].

“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 of them went from enjoying the warm summer weather to rushing to the aid of strangers without a second thought.”

He continued: “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.

“Today’s loss is one they will all take personally.”

In a show of community solidarity, local group Your Southend have since sent up a Go Fund Me page for the grieving family of the seven-year-old girl, which has at time of writing raised £25,000

The incident has left the city in deep grief, with one eye witness harrowingly saying he would “never forget the screams” of the children involved as he rushed to help.

Many residents have commented on their shock at seeing the well-known cedar tree, whose long boughs have been held up with metal poles for many years, now becoming the scene of such an horrific tragedy.

Westcliff business owner of the nearby Piano Pavilion, Adam Ramet, described the incident as “absolutely dreadful,” reportedly adding: “They’re all young kids who are just playing around, running over the grass underneath the tree like everybody has done when they were a kid in that park.

“It’s a park that if you’re local, you grew up there, it’s part of your life.

“There would have been lots of people and families there, there would have been lots of people who’ve been very seriously traumatised.”

The Mayor of Southend, Coun Nigel Folkard, visited the park on Monday June 30th to lay flowers at the site, which has become a focus for many floral tributes and teddy bears in the days since the tragedy occurred.

Mayor Folkard, said: “I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of a young life following the incident in Chalkwell Park. 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.”

Coun Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said: “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.”

An investigation is now underway to understand how this tragic incident occurred.

Essex Police stated: “Enquiries are continuing at the park and an investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances around this incident.

“The majority of the park remains open, but we would continue to ask the public to avoid the clearly cordoned off areas.”

Investigators have set up a dedicated online contact portal for any witnesses who have yet to come forward, which can be visited at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020125R55-PO1

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