Shoreham Airshow Fatalities Expected To Rise

The number of fatalities following an incident at Shoreham Airshow at the weekend is expected to increase.

On Saturday, a Hawker Hunter jet crashed onto the A27 as it took part in an aerial display at the Shoreham Airshow. It is understood the jet was attempting a loop manoeuvre just prior to the crash. Seven people were pronounced dead in the hours following the incident, with another taken to hospital in a critical condition. However, on Sunday, it was confirmed the death toll had increased to 11, with Sussex Police saying they expected the number to rise further.

No-one on the airfield, who was attending the show, was injured.

The pilot was freed from the wreckage on Saturday and is currently in hospital in a critical condition. Others who suffered more minor injuries have been treated.

In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry, Sussex Police, said: "The number of highly likely dead remains at 11, but may rise. However, we do not expect that figure to be greater than 20, probably fewer."

Work has now commenced to clear the site.

Mr Barry added: "As a result of the scale of the devastation, the recovery process is necessarily complex and thorough, and the work of those undertaking it can not be understated.

"Removal of those who died will carry on today and is likely to continue throughout the day tomorrow. This is being undertaken by specialists from other police forces in the south-east as well as colleagues from the fire and rescue service."

A crane is also expected to be brought in today to lift the wreckage of the Hunter jet. Sussex Police said it is "quite possible" that more fatalities will be discovered.

Following the accident, the police added that they had received a number of calls from people who were worried about family and friends.

"We are dealing with these," a statement read. "But if the person you called us about has now turned up, please let us know so that we can amend our list. Call us on 101 or 01273 470101."

(JP)