Council update after hero mum killed by falling tree saving her child at park

A local council has issued an update after a mum was killed by a falling tree branch at a country park

At around 8.30pm on Monday, Madia Kauser, 32, was taking her daughter, five, and her older brother for an evening walk at Witton Country Park in Blackburn when tragedy struck. As a tree fell directly towards them it's understood the little girl was in a pushchair which Mrs Kauser managed to push away before taking the full force of the falling branch herself.

Emergency responders rushed to the park and while her daughter survived unscathed. Madia was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene. Several of her relatives had arrived in the area shortly after the tragedy. Blackburn with Darwen Council set up a cordon and quickly felled the beech tree from which the branch fell.

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Former mayor and still sitting councillor Zamir Khan MBE, an uncle in the tight-knit family, said Madia's body was still with the coroner He told MailOnline: "Her little girl told me her mother pushed her out of the way as the branch fell. Madia was a loving, doting mother and a very caring person.

"The older boy was walking with his father in front and could not believe what happened. It is very hard for the children. I do not think they will ever walk in that park again."

According to Lancs Live an update issued yesterday evening (August 14), a council spokesperson said: "We have an update following the sad death of a member of our community at Witton Country Park on Monday 11 August.

"The family of the woman who tragically died when a large branch from a beech tree fell is being supported and our thoughts remain with them. We are gathering the facts working with colleagues from the police and the Health and Safety Executive. In line with the law, the coroner’s inquest is where the full circumstances will be considered and findings of the independent investigations will be heard.

"All cordons have been removed and the park remains open as usual with safety inspections taking place as a precaution."

Facebook group Blackburn Muslim posted a notice of condolences about Madia’s death saying: "Please keep this mother and her young children in your prayers. May Allah give them Sabrun Jameel. Condolences can be paid to the family at Madina Masjid on Oak St from 11am."

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and a file would be prepared for the coroner.