Blackburn with Darwen Council has been served with an improvement notice after a mother was killed by a falling tree branch in one of its parks. Madia Kauser, 32, died on 11 August in Witton Park, Lancashire, while walking with her husband and two children.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the council failed to undertake a survey of all trees within falling distance of main footpaths. Blackburn with Darwen Council stated it is extending its deepest sympathies to Mrs Kauser’s family and is fully co-operating with the HSE investigation.
Mrs Kauser’s family said she saved her daughter’s life by pushing her out of the way as the branch fell. Her husband, Wasim Khan, welcomed the HSE’s enforcement action, saying it could prevent “anything like this happening again – especially to children.”
Mr Khan added: “Clearly the Health and Safety Executive’s enforcement order o improve shows there was need for drastic improvements. The most important thing is that the council follow up on any advice given. Any place where the public are going to enjoy a day out should be checked for potential health and safety hazards. Through my extremely difficult tragedy I want to do my upmost best to make sure the council understand this to avoid any tragedies in the future.”
He praised the HSE’s work, describing their efforts to protect the public as “outstanding.” Blackburn with Darwen Council chief executive Denise Park said: “The investigation is ongoing, and we are providing our full cooperation to the Health and Safety Executive.”
A HSE spokeswoman said: “As this is a live investigation we cannot share any further details.” Mrs Kauser’s great uncle described her as a “very caring mum who died saving her daughter” and “very kind-hearted” who “would go out of her way for anyone.” A fundraising page has been set up by a friend to support the couple’s children.
