Brooke Wiggins' death ruled a shocking accident by coroner

7 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 6

The 12-year-old died in Banstead, Surrey, in November 2024 when a large branch fell as she played on a rope swing.
An inquest heard Surrey County Council missed a scheduled May 2024 reinspection and had not removed ivy that could have aided checks, but the coroner dismissed criticism.
He said the crack later found in the tree was not visible from the ground and the council could not reasonably have done more given its duties and resources.

A council missed tree inspections before a fatal accident. Why was its conduct deemed reasonable?

When a tragedy is ruled an accident despite council failings, who is ultimately responsible for public risk?

If technology can detect hidden tree dangers, are visual-only inspections enough to ensure public safety?