On a quiet Sunday evening, what was meant to be a day of light-hearted celebration at Sidcup Family Golf in Chislehurst, southeast London, turned into a scene of tragedy and heartbreak. At approximately 5:40pm on November 9, 2025, as families gathered for a child’s birthday party, a wall unexpectedly collapsed, injuring two young children—a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl. The joyful shouts and laughter of the adventure golf course were replaced with sirens and urgent voices as emergency services rushed to the scene.
According to BBC News, police officers, paramedics, and a trauma team from London’s Air Ambulance were on site within minutes, responding to reports that a child had been injured by a collapsing wall. The boy, who sustained a head injury, was described as being in a life-threatening condition. Both children were treated at the scene before being transported to hospital, with the boy airlifted due to the severity of his injuries. The six-year-old girl, though hurt, was later discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for her injuries.
The following days were filled with worry and hope for the families and the local community. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, the young boy tragically passed away in hospital on Tuesday, November 11. As reported by Sky News, the Metropolitan Police confirmed his death, stating, “His family are being supported by specialist officers and ask for privacy during this difficult time.” The girl’s recovery brought a small measure of relief, but the loss of the boy cast a long shadow over the community.
Sidcup Family Golf, well-known for its driving range, dinosaur-themed crazy golf courses, and family-friendly atmosphere, immediately closed its doors following the incident. In a statement shared by the venue and echoed across several outlets, including The Sun and Evening Standard, a spokesperson expressed the depth of the centre’s sorrow: “We are deeply saddened to hear that the child injured on Sunday has tragically passed away. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. We are cooperating fully with the authorities as they continue their investigation and are providing every possible support to those affected by this tragedy.”
For the families involved, the support did not end with condolences. The Metropolitan Police assigned specialist officers to provide assistance and comfort to the bereaved, a gesture that has become all too familiar in the wake of such unexpected tragedies. Bromley Council, responsible for the local area, also acknowledged the gravity of the incident. A spokesperson told BBC News, “Our thoughts are with the family at this time. The police are currently investigating, and the council is liaising closely with them.”
As the investigation unfolded, details about the circumstances remained closely guarded. The identity of the wall that collapsed—whether part of a themed golf structure, a boundary, or another feature—has not been publicly confirmed. Witnesses at the scene, according to Daily Mail and News Shopper, reported that the boy had attended a birthday party and had suffered a head injury when the wall came down. The American Golf shop within the centre was cordoned off with police tape, and officers secured the area for further examination.
Emergency response teams acted swiftly and comprehensively. The London Ambulance Service, in a statement cited by Evening Standard, described their efforts: “We were called at 5.39pm on 9 November to reports of an injured person in Sidcup Bypass, BR7. We sent ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars, an advanced paramedic and an incident response officer to the scene. We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from London’s Air Ambulance. We treated two children at the scene, one of whom was seriously injured. Both were taken to hospital.”
In the aftermath, Sidcup Family Golf’s closure has been extended while authorities conduct a thorough investigation. According to the Met Police, “Enquiries are ongoing and officers are working with the local Health and Safety Inspector.” The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK’s independent regulator for workplace health and safety, has been brought in to assess the site and determine the cause of the collapse. It’s a painstaking process, one that must balance the need for answers with the sensitivity owed to those affected.
Local residents and regular visitors to the golf centre have been left reeling. The facility, a popular destination for families and amateur golfers, is a familiar spot in the community. The incident has prompted an outpouring of sympathy and support on social media, with many expressing shock that such a tragedy could occur in a place so closely associated with happy memories and safe recreation.
As the investigation continues, questions linger. How could a wall at a family-oriented venue collapse so suddenly? Was there a structural fault, or did a series of unfortunate events combine to create this disaster? The answers, once established by the authorities, will be crucial in determining what steps, if any, must be taken to prevent a similar tragedy in the future. For now, the priority remains supporting the affected families and ensuring the safety of all who visit such venues.
Sidcup Family Golf has pledged to share further updates when appropriate, but the venue’s immediate focus is on cooperating with authorities and providing support to those impacted by the tragedy. The centre’s statement, shared with Sky News, underscored this commitment: “We appreciate your understanding at this time and will share further updates when appropriate.”
For the family of the young boy, the loss is immeasurable. For those who witnessed the event or responded to the emergency, the memory will linger. And for the wider community, the incident serves as a somber reminder that even in places built for joy, unforeseen dangers can arise. As the days unfold and the investigation progresses, the hope remains that lessons will be learned, and that the legacy of the young boy’s life will lead to greater safety for all.
The investigation by the Metropolitan Police, the Health and Safety Executive, and Bromley Council is ongoing. The community waits for answers, united in grief and determination to see justice and safety prevail.
