Heartbroken community holds vigil after tragedy
A VIGIL has been held by a heartbroken community in Kingshurst, Solihull, following the deaths of three boys after they fell into a frozen lake.
The gathering took place at Babbs Mill Park, where the tragedy took place, as a fourth child, six, fights for his life in hospital.
Many local people attended, bringing flowers and cards, to pay tribute to the youngsters who were aged eight, ten and 11.
Lots of children were present, leaving tributes at the base of a tree close to the northern entrance of the park.
The tragedy occurred on Sunday when the children fell through the ice on Babbs Mill lake.
Members of the public tried to help save the children as emergency services arrived, punching through the ice in an attempt to get to the boys before they were pulled out by specialist water rescue-trained firefighters.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, left a card at the vigil with a message reading: “Such a tragedy. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their most precious gift. May their young lives rest in peace and may Kingshurst come together to remember them.”
Mum of four Katie O’driscoll was accompanied by her five-year-old daughter as she placed flowers at the site. She said: “Anyone that has got kids can really relate to that we feel heartbroken as a community. The whole community cares - they will be kids that we know because we are a close-knit community. It’s affected everybody. It’s devastating and it’s sad.”
Naomi De Souza, a reporter for Birminghamlive, said: “You can feel the collective shock as the community in Kingshurst try to make sense of this tragedy. There is a growing crowd at what is becoming a community shrine to the three young boys who lost their lives here.
“Parents, children and workers are all filing down to the flower site which is being added to regularly. Candles have also been lit as the community waits in hope to hear about the fourth boy involved in this tragic accident.”
Floral tributes were also left by a group of firefighters, wearing their protective overalls. They brought a white ribbon arranged as a flower, with a card attached, which read: “With deepest sympathy. Rest in peace boys. Love from Sheldon Red Watch.”
The seven firefighters were applauded by several local people for their efforts to save the youngsters. They paused for a few moments before leaving the scene.
No one else has been reported missing following the incident on Sunday. A six-year-old boy remains in a critical condition in hospital.
On Monday morning, West Midlands Police said: “Three boys have tragically died after falling into the lake at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull yesterday afternoon. The boys, aged 11, 10 and eight, were rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water. Sadly, they could not be revived and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this deeply devastating time. We’ll have specialist officers offering them as much support as we can. A fourth boy, aged six, remains in a critical condition in hospital.”