Greenkeeper fighting for life after being crushed by tree

A greenkeeper at a Southampton golf course is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a 40 foot tree fell on him during high winds.

The man, aged in his 40s, was sitting on a ride-on mower at the time.

Dibden Golf Centre, where the incident happened, has been closed until further notice.

The Daily Echo reports that the man is thought to have been trapped for about an hour before being taken to Southampton General Hospital by land ambulance – although an air ambulance was called as well.

An investigation has been launched into the incident. Reports also say the mower was left buried beneath a huge number of branches.

“People sitting in the clubhouse watched anxiously as the emergency services converged on the council-owned facility,” states the paper.

“Firefighters freed the casualty using techniques they normally use to release accident victims trapped in wrecked cars.”

Hythe parish and district councillor Alex Wade said: “My thoughts are with the gentleman concerned and his family. I hope he pulls through and makes a speedy recovery.”

Mytime Active has operated the facility since April 2012, when it signed a 30-year contract with the local council.

Colin Read, the authority’s deputy chief executive, said: “Our thoughts are with the man injured and his family.

Dibden Golf Centre added: “One of our employees was involved in an accident whilst performing his duties.

“He is now being cared for by the local hospital.

“Our thoughts are with him and we will issue a statement once we have all the facts. The course is closed until further notice.”

Police officers were sent to the course and took photographs of the scene but Hampshire Constabulary said it was not involved in the actual investigation.

It is thought the tree that fell was one of the older trees on the course. Many of the trees there are over 100 years old. Since the incident occurred they have been inspected by environmental health officers.

Several members of staff at the club saw the incident and specialist counsellors have been helping them.