Two individuals tragically lost their lives in a devastating incident at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, a Devon airfield. The national governing body, British Skydiving, received reports of the unfortunate deaths of two skydivers near Honiton on Friday. They have committed to conducting a thorough investigation and submitting a report to the relevant authorities, including the coroner, police, Civil Aviation Authority, British Skydiving Safety and Training Committee, and others. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the incident was reported at 13:00 BST, with both individuals being pronounced dead at the scene.

A statement from British Skydiving expressed deep condolences to the families, friends, and the entire skydiving community. Police have established cordons at the airfield, situated approximately five miles north of Honiton. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward. The Civil Aviation Authority acknowledged the incident but refrained from providing further details due to the ongoing investigation.

The Dunkeswell Aerodrome, a former RAF site located in the Blackdown Hills area of Devon near the Somerset border, was originally constructed as an American naval base during World War Two. Standing at 839ft above sea level, it holds the distinction of being the highest licensed airfield in the UK. In addition to skydiving, the aerodrome offers a range of activities such as Spitfire flight tours, wing-walking, and aircraft flight training. The facility also supports various aviation businesses and commercial developments, as stated on its website.