Two die when car topples over cliff
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.TWO ELDERLY women died and two others were injured seriously yesterday when a car plunged 60ft from a cliff and on to a beach at a beauty spot.
Crowds of holidaymakers watched in horror as the Ford Escort rolled over the cliffs at Kimmeridge Bay, in Dorset, landing on its roof on the rocks below. The car had been in the car park above the bay on the Isle of Purbeck just before the accident happened at 3.30pm.
Witnesses said the driver had been attempting to reverse the vehicle into a parking space before it fell off the cliff edge and landed on its roof. No-one on the beach was injured.
Shocked bystanders, including one child who was extremely traumatised by the accident, immediately called the emergency services. The two injured were cut free from the car and taken to Poole General Hospital by helicopters from the Portland Coastguard and Dorset Police. They were in a critical condition last night.
A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said: "Two people were killed after the car hit the rocks and another two were immediately airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. The beach was packed with holidaymakers, many of whom were children who witnessed the accident."
Inspector Dave Burgess, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: "This is a very tragic event. It was extremely unlucky that the car should travel between two of the posts, but the fencing is something we will be looking at with the Kimmeridge Bay authorities."
The automatic, R-registration car was registered locally.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments