Young girl dies and another is 'very seriously' ill after tree collapses in Southend
A witness has described hearing a "horrendous, screeching scream" and how 40 to 50 people tried to lift the fallen tree off two girls stuck underneath it, as their mother watched in horror.
Sunday 29 June 2025 18:26, UK
One girl has died and another remains in a "very serious" condition after a tree partially collapsed at a park in Essex.
The girls, aged seven and six, were hurt when they were among a number of children caught beneath the tree at Chalkwell Park in Southend shortly before 3pm on Saturday.
Essex Police confirmed the seven-year-old girl died in hospital and her family is receiving support from specialist officers.
Flowers, cards and soft toys have been left near the scene. One message read: "Our hearts and thoughts are with the family" while another note read: "Rest in peace, beautiful baby girl".
A second girl, aged six, was initially reported as critically ill, although on Sunday, police issued an update.
"I know many will be thinking of her today and she is in the right place, receiving urgent and around-the-clock care surrounded by her family. Sadly, her condition is still very serious at this time," said Assistant Chief Constable Lucy Morris.
"Our thoughts continue to remain with all of those impacted by the awful events of yesterday," she added.
Another three children suffered minor injuries following the incident.
Essex Police also confirmed that a cordon remains in place at the scene. Assistant Chief Constable Morris said: "We are continuing an investigation into the circumstances around the collapse of the tree."
Mothers' panic was 'heartbreaking'
Luca Langosco told Sky News he was in the park with his eight-year-old sister when he heard a "massive noise" as the tree collapsed.
"She was behind me playing with other kids and then I heard this massive noise. It sounded kind of like fireworks... and [I] turn around and it was just this tree falling down.
"Everyone started to run towards the tree, mothers shouting, and that was probably the most heartbreaking thing. I think two babies were just underneath. And I see... they were taking out one little girl."
He said his sister was lucky to escape with just a scratch on her knee and elbow.
'Horrendous, screeching scream'
Ishan Madan, 39, from Westcliff-on-Sea, was playing in a cricket match nearby when he told the PA news agency that he heard a "horrendous, screeching scream" and everyone ran towards the tree.
"So we got bystanders to help, it must have been 40 to 50 people who then tried to lift the fallen tree up and to our horror, these two little girls, poor girls, were stuck underneath it. Their mother was on the corner. It was horrendous."
Westcliff-on-Sea Cricket Club (WOSCC) issued a statement on Sunday to say it was "devastated" to hear about the death of the girl.
"Our condolences and thoughts go out to the little girl's family, we cannot begin to imagine the pain they must be going through. Our best wishes are with the remaining casualties and we can only hope they pull through."
'So proud of the response'
WOSCC also praised the efforts of players and spectators who helped: "We are so proud of the response and the strong community spirit in the area."
A GoFundMe page has raised more than £17,000 for the family of the seven-year-old girl who died. The website says the money will be used to help with funeral costs, bereavement support, a donation to air ambulance charities and the creation of a memorial in Chalkwell Park.
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On Saturday, the East of England Ambulance Service described the scale of the response, confirming they received a call to the park at 2.55pm.
"Six ambulances, three ambulance officer vehicles, the London Air Ambulance and Kent Air Ambulance were sent to the scene."
Meanwhile Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett paid tribute to police, ambulance and fire crews, saying they "did all they could", adding the loss was "one they will all take personally".
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Local MP David Burton-Sampson called the death of the girl "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."