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A serious incident unfolded at Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea this afternoon after a tree fell onto a group of children, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
According to Essex Police, officers were called to the park shortly before 3pm following reports that a tree had fallen. Paramedics and fire crews also responded rapidly to the scene.
Five Children Taken to Hospital
The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that five children were taken to Southend University Hospital. Two of them were taken initially, with three more transported later. The injuries have been described as minor.
“We were called at 2.55pm to reports that a tree had fallen in Chalkwell Park in Chalkwell.
Six ambulances, three ambulance officer vehicles, the London Air Ambulance and Kent Air Ambulance were sent to the scene,” a spokesperson said.
Police and Emergency Response
A spokesperson for Essex Police added:
“We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Chalkwell Park. Officers, alongside ambulance and fire service colleagues, are responding.
There have been a number of casualties and our work at the scene is ongoing.
We would please ask the public to avoid this area where possible while this work continues.”
Local Reaction
David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West, expressed concern on social media:
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet confirmed what caused the tree to fall, and a safety investigation is expected. The area has been cordoned off as emergency teams continue work at the site.
Residents and park-goers are urged to avoid Chalkwell Park while the scene remains active.
Anyone with footage or information is asked to contact Essex Police.
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said:
“We were called at 2.55pm to reports that a tree had fallen in Chalkwell Park in Chalkwell. Six ambulances, three ambulance officer vehicles, the London Air Ambulance and Kent Air Ambulance were sent to the scene. Two children were transported by road to Southend University Hospital. A further three children were later transported by road to the same hospital with minor injuries.”
