Blackburn mum killed by a falling tree pushed daughter, 5, to safety in tragic final seconds at Witton Park
Tributes have been paid to a 32-year-old mum who was tragically killed by a falling tree branch on a family walk at Blackburn’s Witton Park.
Mum-of-two Madia Kauser was struck by a falling branch in the park’s woodlands at around 8.30pm on Monday (August 11).
It has now emerged that Madia’s final act was to save her daughter’s life by pushing the 5-year-old out of harm’s way as the huge branch suddenly snapped and came crashing down on the pair.
Her child was unharmed but Madia, from Blackburn, was fatally injured. Emergency services, including the air ambulance, rushed to the park and found Madia unresponsive. She was sadly declared dead at the scene.
Her husband Wasim Khan, 33, was said to be walking just yards ahead with the couple’s other child, a 9-year-old boy, when the tragedy happened.
Former Blackburn mayor and current councillor Zamir Khan, an uncle within the close-knit family, told MailOnline: “Her little girl told me her mother pushed her out of the way as the branch fell. Madia was a loving, doting mother and a very caring person.
“The older boy was walking with his father in front and could not believe what happened. It is very hard for the children. I do not think they will ever walk in that park again."
Local Facebook group Blackburn Muslim shared a message of condolence, stating: "Please keep this mother and her young children in your prayers. May Allah give them Sabrun Jameel. Condolences can be paid to the family at Madina Masjid on Oak St from 11am."
Lancashire Police said her death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called to Witton Park, Preston Old Road, Blackburn, at 8.33pm on August 11 following reports a woman had been struck by a falling tree branch.
“Emergency services attended and found the woman unresponsive. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
“Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner in due course.”
The woods was cordoned off while emergency services worked at the scene. The beech tree has since been felled for safety.
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Denise Park, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's chief executive, 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.
“Emergency services, including paramedics and the air ambulance, attended the scene. Council staff also supported by cordoning off the area to ensure public safety.
"As part of precautionary safety measures, the tree involved was being felled this morning. Witton Park is a much-loved community space, and the safety of everyone who visits is of the utmost importance to us."