Tragedy in Witton Park prompts safety review

A woman in her 30s was killed when a tree branch fell as she walked with a child at Witton Country Park in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Woman dies after branch falls in Witton Country Park

A woman in her 30s died after being struck by a large tree branch in Witton Country Park, Blackburn, Lancashire, on Monday evening near the Buncer Lane entrance. Lancashire Police said emergency services were on scene just after 8.30pm, but she died at the scene. Police confirmed the woman was walking with a child at the time and that the death is not being treated as suspicious. Witnesses described a sudden, tragic incident in a popular public space. The force added that a file will be prepared for HM Coroner in due course.

Witton Country Park covers hundreds of acres of woodland and parkland and has a long history dating to the Feilden family and Witton House. The council manages the site as a public space, raising questions about how such parks monitor aging trees and protect visitors while remaining open to the public.

Public spaces carry inherent risks, and this tragedy highlights the ongoing tension between access and safety in large urban parks. Questions will likely focus on how often trees are inspected, what maintenance budgets exist for mature woodlands, and how warnings or closures are communicated after wind or weather events. In the coming weeks, residents will look for clear reassurance from local authorities about safety checks, timelines for any tree work, and whether more proactive monitoring will be funded. The incident also tests community trust in park safety and the speed with which officials respond to potential hazards, especially when families are nearby.

Highlights

Investigations will shape the next steps for park safety policies and maintenance schedules.