Southampton: Investigation After Man Killed By Fallen Tree

7 August 2014, 16:18 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

An elderly man - rescued from underneath a fallen tree on Southampton Common - has died in hospital.

It happened on Wednesday afternoon near the Hawthorne's Urban Wildlife Centre. It took ten firefighters more than an hour to free the pensioner.

He died later in hospital from his injuries.

A spokesperson from Southampton City Council said:
 
"Naturally our thoughts are with the relatives and friends of the gentleman who has died.  
 
"This tragic accident happened in a wooded area on Southampton Common.

"The council has in place a tree risk management system, based on industry best practice, in respect of the management of around 180 hectares of woodland of this type, along with over 55,000 'stand-alone' street trees and parks specimen trees.

"Deaths caused by falling branches are extremely rare and unfortunately not every incident is foreseeable.

"The intention is to allow the public to safely enjoy the city's woodlands and green spaces.
 
"We are working closely with Health and Safety specialists on the investigation of this tragic incident."

The HSE says it's currently making inquiries and may start an investigation this afternoon.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said:

“Hampshire Constabulary can confirm that we were called to reports of an elderly man who had serious injuries on Southampton Common close to Hawthorne’s Wildlife Centre at 1.25pm on Wednesday 6 August. The man was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment but subsequently died of his injuries.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious.

"A file will be prepared for the coroner."