Full Breakdown
Tree Collapse Injures Children at PGL Hindhead Activity Centre
7/14/2026, 9:51:47 PM
Incident Overview
At about 13:40 BST on Monday, a mature tree fell onto the PGL Activity Centre on Marchants Hill, Tilford Road, Hindhead, Surrey. The sudden collapse injured a group of schoolchildren participating in outdoor activities. One child with a serious leg injury was air-lifted to a London hospital, while six others were transported to Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford for less severe injuries. Eleven additional individuals were assessed on-site and released after treatment. Emergency responders—including South Central Ambulance Service, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service—arrived promptly and remained at the scene throughout the emergency response.
Prior Safety Record
The Hindhead centre has faced earlier safety scrutiny. In 2023, Waverley Borough Council prosecuted PGL Travel Limited after two children suffered “significant injuries” when their fingers were trapped between doors at the same site. The company pleaded guilty to offences under Section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Guildford Magistrates Court and was ordered to pay a £1 million fine, plus £18,006 in costs and a £181 victim surcharge.
Injuries and Medical Response
- Serious injury: 1 child air-lifted to a London hospital.
- Moderate injuries: 6 children taken to Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford.
- Minor injuries: 11 people examined and discharged at the centre.
Multiple ambulance crews, supported by paramedics from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, provided on-scene care before hospital transport.
Official Statements & Responses
PGL reiterated that the safety of children, teachers and staff is its “absolute priority” and confirmed it is working closely with the schools involved and emergency services to keep families informed. Farnham and Bordon MP Gregory Stafford said he was aware of a “serious accident” involving a “number of injuries” but noted that no fatalities had been reported. He praised the “swift and professional response of our emergency services.” Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were reported to be cooperating with PGL throughout the incident.
Criticism & Ongoing Safety Concerns
The 2023 prosecution and £1 million penalty highlight lingering concerns about the centre’s safety management. Observers note that the recent tree collapse raises questions about risk assessments for natural hazards on the site, although no formal criticism was issued in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our thoughts are with everyone affected.” — PGL spokesperson
- “The safety and wellbeing of the children, their teachers and our colleagues is our absolute priority.” — PGL spokesperson
- “My thoughts are with the children involved, their families, and all those affected.” — Gregory Stafford, MP for Farnham and Bordon
- “I am grateful for the swift and professional response of our emergency services.” — Gregory Stafford, MP for Farnham and Bordon
What Remains Unclear
Authorities have not disclosed the specific cause of the tree’s fall, and investigations into site safety procedures are ongoing. No further updates on potential remedial actions have been announced.
