A mother sacrificed her own life to save her five-year-old daughter from a falling tree branch in a split-second heroic act at a Lancashire country park. Madia Kauser, 32, managed to push her daughter's pushchair out of harm's way before being fatally struck by the beech branch at Witton Country Park in Blackburn on Monday evening.
Her husband Wasim Khan was walking ahead with their nine-year-old son when the freak accident occurred. He rushed back to help but paramedics pronounced his wife dead at the scene. The five-year-old daughter escaped completely unscathed thanks to her mother's quick thinking.
Family devastated by tragedy
Several relatives arrived at the park shortly after the incident occurred. Local councillor Zamir Khan, an uncle in the family, said: "It is very hard for the children. I do not think they will ever walk in that park again. It is tarnished for them. Their father is not in a good way either. He and other members of the family have taken it very hard."
Family members have gathered at mosques to make funeral arrangements, with the Islamic community rallying around the bereaved family. Dozens of tributes have been posted on social media calling for prayers for the mother and her young children.
Safety response launched
Blackburn Council has cut down the remainder of the beech tree and removed branches from nearby trees as a precautionary measure. Chief executive Denise Park said: "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends of the person who has lost their life at this very difficult time. Witton Park is a much-loved community space, and the safety of everyone who visits is of the utmost importance to us."
Lancashire Police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner. Witnesses noted there was no wind at the time, making the sudden branch fall particularly unexpected.
Sources used: "Metro", "Daily Mail", "Express" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
