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Tandem Skydive Turns Fatal for Two at Devon Airfield, Investigation Underway
A tragic skydiving accident in the United Kingdom has claimed the lives of two people after a tandem jump went fatally wrong. The incident occurred Friday afternoon, June 13, at Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton in Devon, according to a BBC report.
The victims who have not yet been publicly identified were participating in a tandem skydive, a jump in which a first-time skydiver is securely harnessed to a seasoned instructor. The jump allows beginners to experience freefall with minimal training, as the instructor controls the descent.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that emergency services responded to Dunkeswell Aerodrome around 1 p.m. following reports of concern for the wellbeing of two individuals. Tragically, both were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have notified the families.
British Skydiving, the national governing body for the sport, acknowledged the incident and announced that a full investigation is underway. “British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives,” said Robert Gibson, the organization’s chief executive. “Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends, and the entire skydiving community.”
A formal report will be submitted to the coroner, local police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), British Skydiving’s Safety and Training Committee, and other relevant bodies. A spokesperson for the CAA expressed sympathy, stating they are working closely with investigators to determine what went wrong.
Dunkeswell Aerodrome, where the incident occurred, is a historic airfield situated in the Blackdown Hills at an elevation of 839 feet. Once a Royal Air Force site, it served as a U.S. Naval base during World War II.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about the cause of the fatal jump, and the skydiving community mourns a devastating loss.
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Source: NDTV
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