[ad_1]
Several people have been left in a critical condition in hospital after being pulled out of a lake in Solihull on Sunday, reportedly after playing on its frozen surface.
Emergency services were called to the scene at Babbs Mill Park in Kingshurst, where a number of people have been pulled out of a lake and taken to hospital amid freezing temperatures and icy conditions.
West Midlands Police said it was called to a ‘serious incident’ just before 4pm and those rescued so far ‘are believed to be in a critical condition.’
West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Ambulance service also have a heavy presence at the scene.
Emergency workers took to the lake on Sunday evening in an effort to find anyone still trapped
Emergency personnel at the scene near Babbs Mill Park in Kingshurst, Solihull
The incident is thought to have happened just before 3pm on Sunday.
The fire service said reports from the scene and videos on social media indicate that people had been playing on the ice on a pond and had fallen through.
West Midlands Police tweeted: ‘A number of people have been pulled from a lake and are being transported to hospital.
‘They are believed to be in a critical condition.’
At least two dozen emergency service workers remain at the scene. Photos appear to show at least two fire engines, six paramedic vehicles or ambulances and multiple police cars in attendance.
Photos from the scene show rescuers in bright clothing out on the surface of the lake as they continue to search for anyone still trapped.
At least one drone has been deployed to shine a light over the lake for rescuers, who are working in a green boat.
Meanwhile police officers have been seen carrying a large tarpaulin to and from the lake as they load up equipment needed by rescuers.
A drone can be seen hovering above rescuers to shine a light for their search efforts
Huge numbers of emergency service vehicles and workers remained at the scene on Sunday evening
Emergency services are seen carrying equipment too and from the lake as they combat freezing temperatures
Police officers at the scene on Sunday night and being fitted with life jackets
Large emergency service boats have been pictured arriving at the scene as search and rescue efforts continue
Members of the Fire and Rescue Service could be seen responding to the ‘serious incident’ on Sunday evening
Members of West Midlands Police Force and West Midlands Fire Service respond to the ‘serious incident’ at a lake in Kingshurst
Pictures from the scene show dozens of emergency service vehicles in attendance
Members of the fire and rescue service are said to be using boats in order to access the lake
Emergency workers carrying flashlights and wearing life jackets were pictured at the scene shortly after 4pm on Sunday
Emergency services vehicles have been parked all the way down Fordbridge Road and onto the Stonebridge Crescent estate.
Eyewitnesses at the scene have seen emergency service boats being used at the lake as rescue efforts continue.
Rescue efforts are taking place amid freezing temperatures as Solihull hit 0C by late afternoon on Sunday.
A police cordon is in place around the lake as rescue efforts continue into the evening.
The exact cause of the incident is currently unknown.
West Midlands Fire Service confirmed that it was called to the scene at 2.36pm on Sunday.
The tragedy occurred in the middle of Babbs Mill Park in Solihull, Birmingham
West Midlands Police have been called to the scene at Babbs Mill Park in Kingshurst. File image
In a statement, the service said: ‘Reports from the scene and videos on social media indicate that people had been playing on the ice on a pond and had fallen through.
‘Our specialist water rescue teams arrived and acted assertively to take control of the scene and carry out rescues using specialist equipment and entering the water.
‘Casualties have received medical support at the scene from both firefighters and ambulance personnel prior to being taken to nearby hospitals.
‘The incident is still a search and rescue operation, being led by West Midlands Fire Service.
‘We would ask people to allow emergency services at the scene to go about their work in a safe and effective way.’
Video from the scene shows dozens of 999 responders working at the lake, using bright lights to try and illuminate the scene.
West Midlands Fire Service previously said their Christmas Carol Concert at St Martin’s Church in Birmingham was cancelled ‘due to an ongoing incident’.
Babbs Mill Park is a local nature reserve with a lake, river, wildflower grasslands and woodlands.
This is a breaking news story more to follow.
[ad_2]
Source link
