Several children were among 18 people injured after a tree fell on an outdoor activity centre in Surrey just days before the summer holidays. The incident occurred at the popular PGL Activity Centre on Marchants Hill, Hindhead, yesterday afternoon.
Emergency response
Alarm was raised at about 1.40pm, with multiple ambulance crews sent to the centre on Tilford Road. One patient was airlifted to a London hospital with a serious leg injury. Six others were taken to Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford with less severe injuries, South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) said.
A further 11 patients were assessed and treated at the scene before being discharged. Ambulance crews from South Central Ambulance Service, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, police and fire service responded to the emergency.
PGL statement
PGL confirmed that there had been an incident at the centre. It said in a statement: 'A number of children were injured and are receiving medical treatment as required. Our thoughts are with everyone affected. The safety and wellbeing of the children, their teachers and our colleagues is our absolute priority. We are working closely with the schools involved and emergency services to support those affected and to ensure families receive timely information through their schools.'
Local MP reaction
Gregory Stafford, the Surrey MP for Farnham and Bordon, said there had been a 'serious accident' at the site involving a group of children and a number of injuries. He said: 'My thoughts are with the children involved, their families, and all those affected. I am grateful for the swift and professional response of our emergency services.'
Investigation underway
Surrey Police confirmed that a tree had come down at the activity centre in Hindhead. It is not known in which area of the activity centre the incident happened. The site has adventure areas for abseiling, challenge courses, climbing, a giant swing and water attractions among others. The ages of the children have not been revealed, but PGL Marchants Hill caters for young people aged between eight and sixteen.
