Woman killed by falling branch while walking through popular park with child

A woman has tragically died after being hit by a falling branch as she walked through a park with a child.

The incident happened at Witton Country Park in Blackburn just after 8.30pm on Monday evening. Emergency services raced to the area and found the woman, believed to be in her 30s, unresponsive. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, near the Buncer Lane entrance to the park. A cordon was erected and Blackburn with Darwen Council have since felled the beech tree from which the branch fell. A council statement said: "Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the public has tragically died following an incident in Witton Park yesterday, when a large tree branch fell."

Several relatives of the woman arrived at the scene shortly after the tragedy, Lancs Live reports. Denise Park, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's chief executive, said: "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends of the person who has lost their life at this very difficult time. Emergency services, including paramedics and the air ambulance, attended the scene. Council staff also supported by cordoning off the area to ensure public safety.

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"As part of precautionary safety measures, the tree involved was being felled this morning. Witton Park is a much-loved community space, and the safety of everyone who visits is of the utmost importance to us. A cordon was put in place in the park, from the Buncer Lane entrance at Big Clover Wood through to the Pavilion Café. While this work is carried out, we ask visitors to respect the cordons and follow the advice of staff on site.

"We know this news will be deeply upsetting for many in our community. Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the family at this very sad time."

A Lancashire Constabulary spokesman said: "We were called to Witton Park, Preston Old Road, Blackburn, at 8.33pm on August 11 following reports a woman had been struck by a falling tree branch. Emergency services attended and found the woman unresponsive.

"Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner in due course."

Livesey with Pleasington ward's Cllr Paul Marrow said: "This is a very tragic and unfortunate incident. There have been concerns about ash dieback disease and the number of dead trees in Witton Park and across the borough. The council needs to make regular, thorough inspections of the trees in the park to ensure they are safe."