Workman killed in fall from fire damaged Eastbourne Pier
Paramedics tended to the man on the beach after his fall from the pier
A man has died in a fall from the fire-damaged Eastbourne Pier, the South East Coast Ambulance Service has said.
The 44-year-old from Cumbria, who was working on the pier, was pronounced dead at the scene after falling on to the beach just before 16:00 BST.
The Health and Safety Executive has been informed as the man, who suffered head injuries, was working at the time. We will update this story as mor information comes from the HSE.
The fire on 30 July destroyed about a third of the 144-year-old, Grade II-listed pier.
Earlier Sussex Police had said the man had received serious head injuries in the fall and been flown to hospital.
His next of kin have been informed.
Falls from height are the are one of the biggest causes of death and serious accident in many industries and working at height should always be treated with the up most caution and planning. Where there is the risk of a fall all should be done to ensure the safety of those working at height.
For more information about falls from height and For more information about working safely at height log onto the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/falls
The fire has left the pier severely damaged but it is hoped it can reopen this year
At the height of the fire, up to 80 firefighters, together with RNLI crews, tackled the blaze, which police say may have been started deliberately. It broke out behind some wood panelling in the arcade building, sending huge plumes of smoke into the air.
The owners of the pier have said the structure could be partially open by Christmas. David Cameron has pledged £2m to help support businesses and traders suffering in the wake of the fire.