Section of Brighton's historic West Pier collapses in Storm Austen

Summarised from 2 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 23 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

A large section of Brighton's West Pier collapsed into the sea during Storm Austen, which brought 70mph winds to the coast.

A large section of Brighton's West Pier fell into the sea on Friday morning as Storm Austen brought 70mph winds to the coast. The collapse occurred at around 9.30am, with eyewitnesses describing the moment as creating "a massive bang" as debris fell into the water.

The West Pier opened in 1866 and was extended in 1893 with a large pavilion, its final building—a concert hall—completed in 1916. At its peak, the pier attracted two million visitors. However, following safety concerns, it closed to the public on 30 September 1975 and gradually fell into disrepair. BBC Sussex notes that the ruined structure became a symbol of Brighton for some, though English Heritage later declared it beyond repair.

The pier has suffered repeated damage from storms and fire. Major sections fell into the sea during storms in late 2002, and fires destroyed most of what remained in 2003. A kiosk was swept away in a storm in December 2005, and previous collapses occurred in 2016. This latest collapse continues the deterioration of the historic structure.

How it is being reported

• i360 owner describes footage showing partial collapse of West Pier as 'incredible'The i360’s owner has spoken out after part of Brighton’s West Pier collapsed today as Storm Austen battered it with waves.The Argus · 23 Oct, 11:47
• Part of Brighton's iconic West Pier collapsesOne side of the ruined attraction has fallen into a rough sea as Storm Austen batters the coast.BBC Sussex · 23 Oct, 11:37
• Pictures show before and after Storm Austen ravages Brighton's West PierPictures show the aftermath of Storm Austen ravaging Brighton's historic West Pier - and how the pier looked before the storm hit.The Argus · 23 Oct, 10:34
• Pictures show large chunk of West Pier destroyed by waves in stormA large section of Brighton's West Pier collapsed today during Storm Austen.The Argus · 23 Oct, 10:18
• Live updates as huge section of Brighton's historic West Pier collapses in stormPart of Brighton's historic West Pier has collapsed beneath the waves as Storm Austen's winds batter the coastThe Argus · 23 Oct, 09:58
• Watch as right hand side of the West Pier collapses as waves crash during stormThe right hand side of the West Pier has collapsed today during storm Austen.The Argus · 23 Oct, 09:38

In this story: Brighton · West Pier · Storm Austen · English Heritage · BBC Sussex

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