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Hastings Pier Fire Destroys 95% of Famous Landmark: Photos, Video

by Amy Judd | October 5, 2010 at 07:12 am

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The Famous Hastings Pier in Southeastern England Was Almost Completely Destroyed in a Fire on Tuesday October 5

After locals hoped that the 19th century pier could be restored and saved, a devastating fire has destroyed about 95% of the structure, dashing all hopes that may ever happen.

Eugenis Birch built the pier, along with 14 others between the years of 1853 and 1884.

According to the Associated Press, two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson. The Hastings pier has been closed since 2006, but has always been a reminder of a time when families would holiday at the seaside and enjoy the English summer.

"About 95 percent of the structure has been destroyed," regional fire department spokesman Simon Rose said. There was some hope, however, that the cast iron pilings had survived and might support rebuilding.

The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix all played concerts on the pier and attractions were built on the pier, such as a bowling alley and slot machines.

The local council was in raising money to purchase the pier so that they could restore and preserve the landmark.

"It was the heart of the town," 45-year-old resident Tim Hall said. "I've lived here all my life and used to go on the penny slot machines on there when I was a kid. I was really looking forward to it reopening."

The council will now be examining what can be done with the pier, if anything, and what the future holds.

No more information about the arrests have been released.

Some twitpics from the scene (click on the photos to enlarge them)

A before picture of the pier taken a week ago.

5 See all footage | View Slideshow

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Phillipa (not verified)

at 09:27 on October 5th, 2010

I grew up in Hastings spending many a happier time on that pier and was devastated to hear the news. I hope they name and shame the kids responsible and impose hefty sentences to teah the rest of them a lesson. Society needs a wake-up call to get the youth back on track and take responsibility for their actions - what about the parents of these teenagers??? Its getting way out of hand...Cape Town - South Africa