Several children were injured after a tree fell at PGL's outdoor activity centre on Marchants Hill in Hindhead, Surrey. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 1:40pm on Monday following the tree's collapse.
Child Airlifted to London with Serious Leg Injury
One child was airlifted to a London hospital suffering a serious leg injury, while six others were transferred to Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford with less severe injuries. A further eleven individuals were assessed and treated at the scene before being discharged.
Emergency Services Response
South Central Ambulance Service confirmed that multiple ambulance crews attended, alongside police and fire services, including crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. The air ambulance was called to the scene to transport the most seriously injured child.
PGL Statement
A spokesperson for PGL said: "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." The statement further confirmed that PGL is "committed to supporting everyone affected" and is working closely with the schools involved and emergency services.
MP Comments
Farnham and Bordon MP Gregory Stafford said he was aware of the "serious accident" involving several children. He stated there were a "number of injuries" but no fatalities had been reported. Stafford added that Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were working closely with PGL. 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."
Background on PGL Hindhead
The activity centre offers climbing, zip-lining, and canoeing, and is frequently used as a destination for school trips. In 2023, the Marchants Hill outdoor centre was handed a £1 million fine after two children were left 'traumatised' when they had their fingers trapped between doors. The company was ordered to pay the sum after the youngsters sustained "significant injuries" during a visit to the firm's Surrey adventure centre. The case was pursued against the outdoor education provider PGL Travel Limited by Waverley Borough Council.
