Eastbourne MP reacts to Beachy Head crash that killed boy

Josh Babarinde OBE, the MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon, expressed that he was "absolutely devastated" by the tragic fatal crash on Beachy Head Road that killed a 17-year-old boy.

The MP extended his deepest thoughts to the victim's family and friends, explicitly warning that "sadly, this is not an isolated incident". 

The MP's Safety Criticisms & Demands

• Targeting Dangerous Road Limits: Babarinde highlighted that Beachy Head Road remains a dangerous 60mph zone where residents regularly report anti-social drivers exceeding 100mph.
• Condemning Inaction: He stated that over the past decade, the South Downs area has become a dangerous driving hotspot, criticizing a distinct "lack of action" from senior decision-makers at East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, and the Police and Crime Commissioner. 
• Demanding High-Level Meetings: The MP confirmed he has written directly to the Government and local decision-makers to demand an urgent meeting with local residents to address systemic road safety flaws. 
• Supporting Local Campaigns: Babarinde explicitly backed a road safety petition launched by local campaigner Holly Foster. 
• Impact on First Responders: He noted that aggressive driving in the area is actively undermining the critical, sensitive work of the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team. 

Details of the Incident

The collision occurred just before 9:30 PM on Friday, June 26, 2026, near the Shooters Bottom car park. It involved a head-on impact between a blue Volkswagen Golf and a white Volkswagen Polo. 

The 17-year-old victim, a passenger from Eastbourne, tragically died at the scene. Three other young men—a 19-year-old from Polegate, a 21-year-old from Hellingly, and a 21-year-old driver from Eastbourne—all sustained serious injuries and required hospitalization. 

Active Police Investigation

The Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Sussex Police has launched an appeal for information. Detectives are urging anyone who was in the vicinity, or anyone holding mobile phone or dashcam footage, to email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk quoting Operation Nashville.