WEST SUSSEX — A 41-year-old man has died and at least six other people have been injured after a large sign fell at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex, police have said.
Sussex Police said officers were called to Wiston Park, near Steyning, at about 15:38 BST on Friday after reports of the incident. The man, who was from Eastbourne, died at the scene.
At least six people were taken to hospital for treatment. Organisers said the festival would be brought to a close after the incident, with the immediate priority being the safety and wellbeing of those still on site.
Emergency services and investigators attend Wiston Park after collapse near tented area
Det Ch Supt Richard McDonagh said police understood the event had caused huge distress for people at the festival. He said officers were working to establish exactly what happened at the site in Washington Road.
The Health and Safety Executive and the local authority have been informed. Police have asked anyone with information, including relevant video footage, to come forward and contact them, quoting Operation Igloo.
The force also warned of traffic disruption in the area and urged the public to avoid the site while enquiries continue. Emergency crews remained involved as people were helped away from the festival grounds.
Witnesses describe a wooden sign falling in windy conditions near the entrance
The festival attendee Theo Saville said a large wooden sign collapsed close to the entrance to a tented area. He said the sign fell in the direction of the wind.
He added that shortly afterwards attendees were told to return to their tents and that an air ambulance landed at the site.
Andrew Griffith, the MP for Arundel and South Downs, said he was concerned by reports of casualties and noted that there had been strong gusts of wind locally during the afternoon.
Festival is brought to a close as prayers and messages of support are shared
Organisers told day visitors to leave the site and asked campers to return to their pitches and await further updates. Campers were also allowed to leave if they wished.
They said their thoughts were with everyone affected and that helping people leave the site safely was their main concern. The Diocese of Chichester said it was praying for all involved in the accident and for those responding.
The Big Church Festival describes itself as the UK’s biggest Christian festival. Founded in 2009, this year’s sold-out event began on Friday and had been due to run until Sunday.
The latest UK news and stories from Bailey Universe.
