As Chris Evans gears up to host television’s most popular motoring show his outdoor car extravaganza CarFest suffered a tragic fatal plane crash, pilot Kevin Whyman losing his life.

The Gnat display team were taking part in an aerial show when a plane plummeted to the ground and exploded in a ball of flames. Here’s a spectator’s account of the accident as told on the Guardian:

“There were two planes flying around. One of them just seemed to do a dive where the car park is. Then there was a bang. Everyone realised what had happened. The other plane went straight over to see what was happening”.

CarFest said in a statement: “An aircraft flying with the Gnat display team came down approximately one mile north of the site. The pilot has been confirmed as a fatality. We do not believe that any other person has been harmed in the incident. We are working very closely with the police, emergency services and all relevant authorities. We have helpfully received images and footage captured by those close to the site, which will aid with the police investigation.

Evans released a statement offering condolences to the family, adding that it would be inappropriate to speculate on reasons why the plane went down while an Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) investigation is under way.

[source:guardian]