Residents have demanded answers after a tree fell and crushed a girl, seven, to death in a park in Southend yesterday. Questions are being asked of Southend-on-Sea City Council (SCC), with locals claiming that benches were even installed under it, and the tree was propped up by poles. Dean Bailey posted on social media: “It should have been cut down rather than propped up.” Meanwhile, Mimi Faria added: “That bough should have been cut off instead of usuing a pole to hold it. That is sheer negligence and someone must take responsibility.”
Steve Ives, 68, who said he walks through the park every day, told the BBC: “The tree has been propped up by the metal props ever since I can remember. The boughs are just so huge. It always looked healthy and people stood under it and chatted. It’s such an awful thing to happen.” Steven Nesh wrote: “Clearly it was too big to supports its own weight & unfortunately someone’s family has had to suffer the consequences of their negligence.”
A member of Old Brentwoods Cricket Club, who were playing against Westcliff Cricket Club in Chalkwell Park at the time of the incident, told The Express yesterday that the tree looked like it was being “preserved”, as it had some “metal poles” attached to it.
He was one of the people who rushed to help lift the tree off of two trapped children.
People in the area heard a “snap, bang”, and a woman “just wail and scream”.
“I’m guessing it was one of the girl’s mums,” the man, who wished to remain anonymous, said. He added that seeing one of the children under the tree made him think of his own two young daughters.
The Mirror reports that Rhea Mae Westfall wrote online: “Council/park owners should be covering the cost of the funeral and compensating all families involved. It’s clear this tree has been a danger for quite some time.”
Anne Bell said: “The council need to start maintaining all trees around Southend. As this should never have happened. My thoughts are with you all. Fly high little angel.”
SCC said this morning: “This was a devastating incident and our thoughts remain with everyone affected. As this is an ongoing investigation, we won’t be commenting further or pre-empting its findings.”
Council leader Daniel Cowan said in a statement last night: “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.”
Chief Constable Lucy Morris said: “Our thoughts continue to remain with all of those impacted by the awful events of yesterday.
“Updates will be provided on the condition of the little girl who remains in hospital.
“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.
“We are continuing an investigation into the circumstances around the collapse of the tree.
“These enquiries are being led by Essex Police at this stage.
“We’ve set up a dedicated online portal for the public to contact the investigative team.
“This portal includes a set of specific questions to assist witnesses with providing us with relevant information to help our investigation.
“Please only use this online portal to make contact if one or more of those questions applies to you, and only use this portal to provide information which will assist our investigation.
“I’m also aware that of the numerous members of the public who helped at the scene, many may be feeling overwhelmed or otherwise experiencing trauma.
“This is entirely understandable in the circumstances of such a horrendous incident.
“I would like to repeat our praise for the numerous members of the public and all first responders who rushed to the aid of these children.
“Your actions were remarkable and they are not lost on any of us.”
