Council told nothing could have prevented death of woman killed by falling branch in Blackburn park

Blackburn with Darwen Council has received expert advice that there was nothing it could have done to prevent the tragic incident in which a mother of two was killed by a falling branch in one of its parks.

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

She was hit as she pushed her daughter out of the way of the falling branch.

Authority leader Cllr Phil Riley begins his written report to Blackburn with Darwen Council’s full Council Forum meeting to be held on Thursday night with a message sending the borough’s condolences to her family.

In it he reveals: “We have received expert advice that there was no precautionary work that could have been carried out that would have prevented this desperately sad incident.”

Mrs Kauser, her son and daughter and her husband Wasim Khan were out walking in the council’s owned Witton Park on the afternoon of Monday August 11 when the incident happened.

Despite the efforts of the emergency services she died at the scene near the Buncer Lane entrance to Witton Park.

An inquest into her death was formally opened by Coroner Richard Taylor sat at Preston Coroner’s Court on Thursday August 21 with a full hearing scheduled at Accrington Town Hall on November 14.

Mrs Kauser’s funeral was held on August 14 at the Madina Mosque on Oak Street, Blackburn.

Mr Khan said after the incident: “As a family we are devastated and heartbroken at losing our beloved Madia.”

Cllr Riley’s report to Thursday’s meeting says: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Madia Kauser at Witton Park in August.

“Our sincerest thoughts and condolences are with her family and loved ones during what must be an incredibly difficult time.

“Following the incident, as part of precautionary measures, the tree involved was felled and further safety checks and work have been carried out in the park and in Big Clover Wood.

“However, we have received expert advice that there was no precautionary work that could have been carried out that would have prevented this desperately sad incident.

“Of course, the safety and wellbeing of all our residents is always paramount and as a council we will always work to prioritise this.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has not approached Mrs Kauser’s family directly as it has requested privacy from media intrusion.

A joint investigation into her death is underway between police, the council and the Health and Safety Executive.