Section of West Pier collapses during Storm Austen
A large section of Brighton's West Pier collapsed today as Storm Austen brought powerful waves crashing against the historic structure.
Collapse caught on camera
A large section of the West Pier's right-hand side has collapsed during Storm Austen. Simon Haffenden, who has lived in Brighton for 16 years, captured the moment on video as waves crashed against the structure. He said the collapse "made a massive bang" and described it as "just so sad". Mr Haffenden, who lives opposite the i360, was filming the size of the waves when he recorded the destruction. He said: "I could not believe it."
A pier with a long history
The West Pier opened in 1866 and was the second pier built in Brighton, following the Royal Suspension Chain Pier, which was destroyed in a storm in 1896. The pier head was extended in 1893, when a large pavilion was erected and decorated with oriental towers.
The structure has already endured significant damage over recent decades. Following safety concerns, the pier was closed to the public on 30 September 1975. In December 2002, parts of the structure fell into the sea, with the concert hall falling the following month.
On 28 March 2003, the pier caught fire, prompting a major emergency response involving coastguard helicopters, lifeboats, police and firefighters. A second fire occurred on 11 May that year. The pier's last surviving kiosk was swept away in a storm in December 2005.
The latest collapse adds to the catalogue of damage the West Pier has suffered since it ceased operating as a public attraction nearly 50 years ago.
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