Monday, August 24, 2015

The Shoreham Tragedy...

This really isn't what I had planned for today, but in view of Saturday's tragic events in Sussex, I felt there was little choice.  In case you haven't seen or heard anything about it, here is a brief account...

Air shows have long been a part of British culture, particularly when it comes to displays by historic aircraft.  On Saturday, the Shoreham Airshow was taking place in Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, on the south coast of England.

In the capable hands of Andy Hill, an experienced pilot, a 1951 Hawker Hunter jet was thrilling the crowds with some spectacular manoeuvres,  However, after completing a loop, the plane seemed unusually low to the ground, and despite the pilot's efforts to climb, the jet smashed into a number of vehicles travelling on the A27 (a main road running along the coast from Whiteparish in Wiltshire, to Pevensey in East Sussex).

Eyewitnesses believe that the pilot was trying to steer away from the road, and bring the aircraft down in a neighbouring field.

At the moment, it is still unclear how many lives were lost in the tragedy, but it seems to be at least 11, and perhaps as many as 20.  Andy Hill remains in critical condition.

My thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.

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