Independent probe launched after grandmother killed by fallen tree branch in Willesden

Rambai Senghani was killed in Donnington Road (Image: Jonathan Goldberg)

Rambai Senghani died at the scene in Donnington Road, and a man in his 70s is in a serious condition, following the freak accident on Tuesday at around 4pm.

Brent Housing Partnership, the arms-length organisation which manages Brent Council’s properties, has launched the probe as the tree is on their property next to The Oaks block of flats.

Yesterday, workmen were at the scene cutting back branches from it.

Rambai Senghani was killed in Donnington Road (Image: Jonathan Goldberg)

Mrs Senghani, who lived in Kensal Rise, had collected her two grandchildren from school and they were waiting for a number 6 bus when she was killed.

Her grandchildren escaped injury.

Amanda Cavinder, 45, who lives in The Oaks, said: “We have been complaining to the council about the state of the trees.

“This saddens me and makes me feel really scared. My boyfriend said not to sit near any trees in the future because of the situation.”

Judy Kerr, another resident, said “My husband and I have sat here and watch the trees swaying in the wind backwards and forwards.

“For years we have said something is going to happen because the council never do anything about the trees.”

A council spokesman said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of this tragic accident and we are thinking of the victim’s family.

“We take this extremely seriously and are acting quickly and robustly to find out exactly what happened. We have also informed the Health and Safety Executive.

“An inspection since the incident has suggested that we should remove more material from the tree as a precautionary measure.

“We use experts to inspect our trees and there’s no reason to think that other trees are dangerous.”