AIRSHOW CRASH: ‘Lessons need to be learnt from tragedy’

Lessons from the Shoreham Airshow tragedy must be learnt, an MP has urged today (Sunday, August 23).
By Tom Cotterill
Published 23rd Aug 2015, 14:20 BST
MP Tim Loughton, front left, at the church service at St Mary's, Shoreham. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150823-123047008MP Tim Loughton, front left, at the church service at St Mary's, Shoreham. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150823-123047008
MP Tim Loughton, front left, at the church service at St Mary's, Shoreham. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150823-123047008

Tim Loughton, the Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, has paid tribute to the victims of the fatal plane crash, which killed at least seven people yesterday afternoon.

In a statement to the Daily Telegraph, Mr Loughton said: “This has been a really tragic event and there will be many personal tragedies as the details unfold.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives and we just hope that there will not be any more bodies found as the police do their grizzly duties going through the remains.

MP Tim Loughton SUS-150403-153626001MP Tim Loughton SUS-150403-153626001
MP Tim Loughton SUS-150403-153626001

“People have come to church to pay their respects, there’s a very sombre mood that something like this could happen at such a happy family day out.”

Currently the Air Accident Investigation Branch is examining the cause of the devastating crash.

However, Mr Loughton stressed that no knee-jerk reactions should be made about the safety and future of airshows, based purely on yesterday’s tragedy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added that the main focus should be on supporting the families affected by the disaster.

“We need to wait and find out what exactly has happened and the investigators need to find out exactly how this accident happened,” he said.

“A lot of work goes into ensuring the safety of everybody visiting the airshow. This is a tragic accident and what we shouldn’t do is start banning all airshows.

“Clearly we must learn the lessons when we know what those lessons are. We must make sure everything is done to support the families of those who lost their lives.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:PeopleTwitter