Eleven people are known to have died when a historic military jet crashed into the A27 at Shoreham in Sussex on Saturday (22 August).
The Hawker Hunter was taking part in an air show at the airport adjacent to the A27 when it crashed on to the road and ended up in a bush at 1.20pm. Police say the final death toll from the air crash could rise to 20.
Today (Monday 24 August) a crane will begin to lift wreckage at the scene of the accident, amid fears several bodies will be found.
On Saturday, emergency services declared a major incident and a number of helicopters were deployed to the scene to evacuate casualties to hospital.
The A27 remains closed at Lancing and to the north of Hove and is expected to remain closed for some considerable time.
The casualties are all believed to have occurred on the road at this time and there are not thought to be any injuries to anyone actually on the airfield.
The Air Accident Investigation Bureau have asked anyone who has video or photographs of the plane in the time leading up to and including the crash to hold on to them and await advice as to whether they may be wanted to assist with the investigation.
Speaking today (24 August), assistant chief constable Steve Barry, of 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. "
A spokesperson for Highways England said: "The emergency services, the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) and Highways England are continuing to work together to deal with the incident.
"A police and AAIB investigation is being carried out at the scene. Following this Highways England will need to carry out repairs to the damaged road. Drivers will be advised once it is safe to re-open the road. Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible. Where they cannot, those travelling westbound are advised to exit the A27 before the closure at the A283 junction and join the A283 north towards Washington, join the A24 south and re-join the A27 following the hollow black triangle symbol.
"Those travelling eastbound should exit the A27 before the closure at the A24 junction, join the A24 north towards Washington, join the A283 south and re-join the A27 following the hollow black diamond symbol. This diversion route is in place due to an exclusion zone around the incident and drivers following it are advised to allow plenty of extra time for their journeys."
