World · Europe · 4 hrs ago
Storm Austen causes part of Brighton’s West Pier to collapse into the sea
A large section of Brighton’s West Pier collapsed into the sea during Storm Austen on Friday.
The pier closed to the public in 1975 after safety concerns and damage.
Fires in 2003 destroyed most of what remained, ending hopes of restoring the pier.
Earlier storms had already sent sections of the structure into the sea, and further weather has weakened its iron frame.
The ruin was once a symbol of Brighton for some people, but it is now considered dangerous.
More high winds are expected, with Storm Boelo forecast to arrive on Saturday.
The West Pier Trust says it marks the site, warns people to keep away and removes debris that reaches the beach.
A significant section of Brighton’s West Pier collapsed into the sea during Storm Austen on 23 October 2026.
The Argus reported that the pier lost part of its right-hand side as waves hit the structure.
Simon Haffenden filmed the collapse while recording the waves.
The pier has been closed to the public since 1975 and has suffered extensive storm and fire damage.
Further high winds were expected, with Storm Boelo forecast to arrive on Saturday 24 October.
- Who
- A significant section of Brighton’s West Pier collapsed; Simon Haffenden filmed it.
- What
- Part of the pier’s remains fell into the sea.
- When
- 23 October 2026.
- Where
- Brighton, on the coast of southern England.
- Why
- Storm Austen brought waves and high winds; the sources do not state a more specific cause.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The West Pier was built.
The pier closed to the public following safety concerns.
Parts of the structure fell into the sea during storms.
Two fires damaged the pier, with the second occurring on 11 May.
A significant section of the pier collapsed into the sea during Storm Austen.
- Collapse date
- 23 October 2026
- Storm
- Storm Austen
- Location
- Brighton
- Filming witness
- Simon Haffenden, a Brighton resident
- Pier built
- 1866
- Public closure
- 1975
3 sources
What people are saying
It made a massive bang.
It is just so sad.
I could not believe it.
The structure is dangerous and should not be approached.