Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Falling branch kills NZer in Kew gardens

Updated at 6:30 am on 25 September 2012

Ambulance staff were unable to revive a New Zealand woman who died after a branch fell on her while she was walking through the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson says police, ambulance and air ambulance staff were called to the park on Sunday afternoon.

Ambulance staff tried to resuscitate the woman, who was about 30 years old, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is believed the branch may have fallen because of the wet and windy weather.

Kew Gardens is closed as a precautionary measure.

The botanic gardens says in a statement it is working with police and the next of kin have been notified.

The police spokesperson says the death is being treated as non-suspicious and the matter has been referred to the coroner.

A post mortem examination will be held and health and safety officials are also investigating.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson says the ministry is providing support and assistance to the victim's family.

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