Multiple children among 18 injured after 'serious accident' at activity centre

Multiple children are among 18 injured following a "serious accident" at an activity centre in Surrey.

Emergency services were called to the PGL Activity Centre on Marchants Hill in Tilford Road, Hindhead, at around 1.40pm on Monday following reports of a fallen tree.

A child with a serious leg injury was taken by air ambulance to a hospital in London.

Six other patients were taken to the Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford, having suffered injuries described as less severe.

A further 11 individuals were assessed on-site and given medical attention before being allowed to leave.

The ambulance service confirmed that numerous crews responded to the emergency, supported by paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Police and fire services also attended the scene.

PGL, which runs outdoor activity centres across the UK and Europe, confirmed an "incident" had happened at the centre.

The organisation said: "A number of children were injured and are receiving medical treatment as required.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected. The safety and wellbeing of the children, their teachers and our colleagues is our absolute priority.

"We are working closely with the schools involved and emergency services to support those affected and to ensure families receive timely information through their schools."

PGL said it was ensuring families would receive updates through their respective schools.

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Gregory Stafford, the MP for Farnham and Bordon, confirmed he had been made aware of a "serious accident" involving young people.

The Tory MP said there had been multiple injuries but reassured constituents that no deaths had been reported.

He confirmed that both Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were working with PGL.

"My thoughts are with the children involved, their families, and all those affected," Mr Stafford said.

"I am grateful for the swift and professional response of our emergency services."

The PGL at Marchants Hill offers activities such as climbing, zip-lining, and canoeing for school groups and young people.

In 2023, the firm was prosecuted by Waverley Borough Council after two children sustained serious injuries during an organised residential stay at the Adventure Centre near Hindhead.

After pleading guilty to offences under Section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Guildford Magistrates Court, PGL was ordered to pay £1million plus costs of £18,006 and a victim surcharge of £181.

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