Two people have died after a skydive went wrong.
The incident happened at Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton in Devon on Friday afternoon.
The two people were attempting a ‘tandem jump’ when they lost their lives.
They haven’t been publicly identified, but their families have been informed.
The British Skydiving Board of Inquiry is investigating the death.
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Robert Gibson, chief executive of British Skydiving, said: ‘British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives.
‘Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community.
‘A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident.
‘Once complete, a report – setting out the Board’s conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA, the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC) and any other relevant authorities.
‘No further details will be provided at this time. We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected at this difficult time.’
A tandem skydiving jump is when a first-time jumper is secured to a highly experienced instructor.
It’s an easier way for beginner skydivers to experience freefall from higher altitudes without extensive training, because the experienced instructor does most of the work.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Emergency services were called to the area of Dunkeswell Aerodrome at around 1pm on Friday following concerns for the welfare of two people.
‘It was reported that they were skydivers. They were sadly both confirmed deceased at the scene and their families have been informed.
‘Scene guards remain in place and enquiries are ongoing by the relevant agencies.’
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