BRADFORD, Ont. — A 15-year-old girl died in a freak accident at a local soccer pitch when one of the nets tipped over Wednesday afternoon.

South Simcoe police, paramedics and firefighters were called to a soccer field at the Portuguese Cultural Centre near the Holland Marsh around 3:30 p.m.

Police said two 15-year-old girls were playing soccer on the field when one became trapped under the crossbar of the net.

She was treated at the scene and transported to hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

"At this point, we have all our resources here as well as at the hospital," Sgt. Sean Willan said.

Linda Fresco, supervisor at the nearby daycare centre in the Bradford Alliance Church, was alarmed by the police activity across the road.

She went to the scene "out of concern for the kids" and was shocked to learn of the death.

"It's very sad, tragic," she said.

The soccer field is on property owned by the Portuguese Cultural Centre, but had been handed over to the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury leisure services to manage and maintain.

Mike O'Hare, manager of parks and property, arrived on the scene later in the afternoon.

"I can't talk about it," he said, adding the investigation is ongoing.

"It's a terrible thing," O'Hare added. "I'm just sick for the family."

The park and parking lot at the Portuguese Cultural Centre remained closed to the public for the rest of the evening as police investigated.

Jean Perdigao, with the Portuguese Cultural Centre, said she was concerned because the facility has had an ongoing problem with trespassing, despite locked gates and a "No Trespassing" sign.

Kids often come down to play on the field and if someone from the centre is there, they are told to leave, Perdigao said. But quite often there is no one around.

Perdigao noted that she has in the past caught children climbing the nets and even sitting on the crossbar, adding she doesn't know what happened this time.

"It's a sad thing that it happened," she said. "I feel sorry for the parents."

Police say no names will be released until next-of-kin are notified.