Tragic Death at Staffordshire Beauty Spot After Water Rescue
A woman has tragically died after being rescued from the water at a popular Midland beauty spot. The incident occurred at Blithfield Reservoir, located near Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire, on Friday afternoon.
Emergency Services Response
Emergency services were alerted to a woman in the water at Blithfield Reservoir shortly after 12:30 PM on February 20. Police were the first to arrive at the scene and subsequently notified fire and ambulance crews, who rushed to the location around 1:40 PM. The response included a helicopter from the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service provided details: "We were called to reports of a patient in the water at Blithfield Reservoir at 1:41 PM. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, and a helicopter from the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity attended the scene. On arrival we discovered one patient, a woman. Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support but sadly, despite their best efforts, it became apparent nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead at the scene."
Road Closure and Police Statement
Staffordshire Police has confirmed the closure of the B5013 from Uttoxter Road at Blithfield Reservoir as they continue to respond to the tragic incident. A spokesperson for the force stated: "We've closed the B5013 from Uttoxter Road at Blithfield Reservoir in Abbots Bromley as we continue to respond to an incident. Just after 12:40 PM today we went to the scene following concern for the welfare of a woman. Officers attended alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Midlands Air Ambulance. A woman was taken out of the water and was treated by paramedics."
The statement continued: "Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the woman sadly died at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed. We're urging people to avoid the area while emergency services continue to deal with the incident."
Community Impact
This tragic event has deeply affected the local community, with Blithfield Reservoir being a well-known beauty spot frequented by visitors. The swift response from multiple emergency services highlights the coordinated efforts in such critical situations, though the outcome was devastating. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety around water bodies, especially in rural areas.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with water activities, even at picturesque locations. As investigations continue, residents and visitors are advised to heed police warnings and avoid the area to allow emergency services to complete their work.
