Three teenage boys were injured, one critically, after a tree crashed down on them in the playground of King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys in Birmingham. The incident occurred shortly after 10am on Wednesday, July 1, at the end of morning break.
Emergency Response
West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call at 10.18am reporting that a tree branch had fallen at the school on Vicarage Road, Kings Heath. Three ambulances, two paramedic officers, a critical care car, and a trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic were dispatched.
Upon arrival, crews found three teenage boys. The first had sustained serious injuries and received advanced trauma care at the scene before being transported to Birmingham Children's Hospital under emergency blue light conditions, with medics on board providing continued treatment en route. The second and third boys had sustained potentially serious injuries; they were treated at the scene and also taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital for further assessment.
School and Trust Response
A spokesman for the King Edward VI Academy Trust confirmed that a section of tree fell within the playground area at the end of morning break. Emergency services attended immediately and secured the area without delay. Specialist crews worked safely to remove the tree.
The trust stated: "A small number of students were directly involved in the incident. Their families were contacted promptly, and the affected pupils received appropriate care and support." School staff have been supporting pupils who witnessed the incident, monitoring their wellbeing and providing additional pastoral support where needed.
"The safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff remain our highest priority. We are grateful to the emergency services for their swift and professional response, and to our staff for the care and support they provided," the statement added.
Investigation and School Operations
A full investigation is under way to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The school remained open on Wednesday and was operating as usual on Thursday, July 2. The trust respectfully asked that the privacy of the pupils, their families, and staff be respected.
