Saturday 22 August 2015 8:16 pm

Shoreham plane crash: Seven dead after Hawker Hunter hits cars on A27

Seven people have died after a Hawker Hunter jet crashed into several vehicles on the A27 during the Shoreham Airshow.

The historic fighter jet, part of the Shoreham Airshow, crashed just north of Brighton City Airport, where the airshow was taking place. Eyewitness reports said the plane crashed directly onto several cars while the pilot was attempting a loop.

South East Coast Ambulance Service said the victims died at the scene, while another person was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. A further 14 people have been treated for minor injuries.

Sussex Police said: "Emergency services have declared a major incident and a number of helicopters have been deployed to the scene to evacuate casualties to hospital.

"The A27 has been closed at Lancing and to the north of Hove and is expected to remain closed for some considerable time."

The service added: "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.

"West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has sent 10 appliances to the scene.

"The Air Accident Investigation Bureau is attending the scene and 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."

Witnesses have posted several pictures and videos of the crash on social media. They may be distressing to some readers.

https://twitter.com/nicklangrish/status/635066254282375168