Recovery process starts at site of Shoreham Airshow crash

The investigation into the air crash at Shoreham yesterday (Saturday August 22) will extend over ‘several days’, Sussex Police has confirmed.
DM156665a.jpg Shoreham Airshow 2015. The crash scene on Sunday morning. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150823-120607008DM156665a.jpg Shoreham Airshow 2015. The crash scene on Sunday morning. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150823-120607008
DM156665a.jpg Shoreham Airshow 2015. The crash scene on Sunday morning. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150823-120607008

In a fresh update, police have warned the A27 will be closed throughout the investigation and have advised drivers to seek alternative routes.

Investigators and specialist recovery teams have begun clearing the scene of the crash that claimed at least seven lives.

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A Hawker Hunter jet crashed into the A27 trunk road between Brighton and Worthing around 1.20pm. Police have warned there is every possibility that other victims will be found and the death toll will rise now that the recovery process has started.

Chief Superintendent Tony Blaker, head of operations for Sussex Police, said: “Our priorities now lie with supporting those who have been affected by this desperately tragic incident.

“The task of recovering those who died has commenced and then there is a significant investigation to take place, jointly held by the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

“That is likely to extend over several days. We should have a better idea of that timescale over the next 24-36 hours.

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“In the meantime, the road will remain shut and even at the weekend that is having an impact on traffic on local roads.

“Obviously, people do need to travel and will be returning to work on Monday, but I would ask that the further away you are able to divert around Shoreham, the better.

“You will have undoubtedly seen a large amount of photos and video from the scene of the incident and some of those images may be of use to investigators.

“If you do have anything that you think may be of use, please let us know by emailing [email protected], but please do not attach the files at this time. We will get back to you if we need your evidence.

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“I am also aware that there are a quite a few images and videos from the scene in the aftermath of the crash that have been placed online that are extremely graphic.

“It is not our place to dictate what may or may not be published anywhere, but from a personal perspective, I would ask people to consider the feelings of those who have lost loved ones in this incident and indeed, who may still not have heard from them and are seeking information.

“In the aftermath of the accident, we received a lot of calls from people who were worried about relatives and friends.

“We are working through these, but if the person you called us about has now turned up, please let us know so that we can remove them from our list. Call us on 101 or 01273 470101.”

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Those who left the airshow on foot on Saturday leaving vehicles behind are now able to return and collect cars from the site, but larger vehicles such as vans and people carriers cannot be collected at this time.

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