Woman dies after being hit by falling tree branch in a Blackburn park
A cordon was put in place in Witton country park
Last updated 13th Aug 2025
A woman has died after being hit by a falling tree branch in Blackburn’s Witton Country Park.
The incident near the Buncer Lane entrance happened just after 8.30pm on Monday night.
The woman was with her two children when it happened.
Emergency services attended promptly and found the woman, believed to be in her 30s, unresponsive.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The area was cordoned off after the incident and Blackburn with Darwen Council, which owns the 480-acre park, has since felled the beech tree from which the branch fell.
The woman is believed to have come from Blackburn as several members of her family arrived at the scene shortly afterwards.
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.”
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.
“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 police 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.”
Cllr Mustafa Desai, leader of the council’s 4BwD opposition group, said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Witton Park where a member of the public lost their life due to a falling tree branch.
“My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time.
“The safety of our parks and green spaces is paramount, and we will work closely with council staff and emergency services to ensure thorough investigations and necessary safety measures are taken.
“I appreciate the swift response of emergency services and council staff to secure the area and prioritise public safety.”
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.”