Incredibly sad news came in last night of the death of a middle-aged man after his car went over the cliff on the road between Niton and Blackgang.
The Isle of Wight Fire Service confirmed to OnTheWight they were called at 18.08 to Old Blackgang Road by the Coastguard – who had been called by the ambulance service – to assist in the rescue.
Police and members of the Coastguard were at the scene until 10pm recovering the body.
One fire tender was sent from Ventnor, as well as a pump and two rescue vehicles from Newport. The ambulance service confirmed one fatality, a middle-aged man who has not yet been named.
Firefighters proceeded on foot, as they couldn’t get appliances near the scene. They also searched for any other possible casualties but none were found.
The ‘stop notice’ was received at 19.48 and the last vehicle left the scene at 20.00.
Our sincerest thoughts are with the man’s family and friends.
Update 8.54am:
Hampshire police shared the following statement with OnTheWight.
Police are investigating after a man died when his car went over a cliff edge between Blackgang Chine and Ventnor on the Isle of Wight this evening (Thursday, September 18).
Officers were called at about 5.45pm. A 40-year-old local man was pronounced dead at the scene. It is believed the car he was driving is a Renault Laguna.
We are satisfied that there are no suspicious circumstances and no-one else involved In this incident. A file is being prepared for the coroner.
The deceased man’s next-of-kin are being notified.
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