Council served with notice over death of woman in Blackburn park hit by tree branch

Blackburn with Darwen Council has been served with an ‘improvement notice’ by the Heath and Safety Executive over the death of a mother-of-two hit by a falling tree branch in one of its municipal parks in August.

The notification on HSE’s enforcement database says it was made ‘because you have failed to undertake a proactive walkover survey in Witton Country Park by a competent person, to inspect all trees within falling distance of main footpaths and the public highway.’

It is the latest stage in the investigation into the tragic incident by government’s safety watchdog.

Madia Kauser, 32, died at Witton Park in Blackburn on Monday August 11 while she was out walking with her family.

The news of the improvement notice, to which the council has already made an initial response outlining its actions as a result of the notification, has been welcomed by her husband Wasim Khan.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up by one of Mrs Kauser’s friends to raise money to support the couple’s two children.

Mr Khan, who is to meet with Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain, said: “I met with the Health and Safety Executives who confirmed their investigations will likely go into next year.

“Clearly the Health and Safety Executive’s enforcement order to improve shows there was need for drastic improvements.

“The most important thing is that the council follow up on any advice given.

“I am very happy with the enforcement order by the HSE to avoid anything like this happening again -especially to children who use that park to play and have fun.

“My true opinion is 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.

“The work the HSE are doing is outstanding to protect the safety of the public.”

Mr Khan also directs people to a GoFundMe page set up by a close friend of Madia – https://gofund.me/858fb16fb.

He said: “It is to support their children or plan something for them to distract their minds from always asking about their mum and constant upset.

“There have been a few pages set up without my consent but this one is official.”

The page, set up by Nadi S with an initial target of £5,000, says: “In the blink of an eye, a family’s world changed forever.

“During what should have been an ordinary day, tragedy struck without warning.

“A loving mother—full of life, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family—made the ultimate sacrifice.

“When a tree suddenly fell, she acted on pure instinct and love, pushing her daughter out of harm’s way.

“In that selfless moment, she saved her child’s life… and lost her own. She passed away at the scene, a hero, a protector, and a mother until her final breath.

“She leaves behind two beautiful children who adored her – children who will forever remember her gentle voice, her warm embraces, and the way she made every day feel safe.

“She leaves behind a husband who lost not just his partner, but his high school sweetheart—the girl he grew up with, laughed with, dreamed with, built a life with.

“The love of his life, taken far too soon.

“The heartbreak this family is facing is unimaginable.

“The funds raised will help this grieving family navigate through the difficult road ahead as they learn to move forward without the woman who meant everything to them.

“No amount can erase their pain, but together we can show them that they are not alone; that their community stands beside them; that her act of love will never be forgotten.

“Every contribution—big or small—helps this family take one step toward healing.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s chief executive Denise Park said: “We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and all those affected by this tragic incident.

“The investigation is ongoing, and we are providing our full cooperation to the Health and Safety Executive.”

An HSE spokeswoman said: “As this is a live investigation we cannot share any further details.”