Man dies in horror Bells Beach cliff collapse

A man has died after he was hit with falling debris when a cliff collapsed near Bells Beach. Two others were injured in the horror incident.

A man has died after a cliff collapsed near Bells Beach. Picture: Mark Wilson

A man died in a horror New Year’s Eve tragedy at Bells Beach after he was hit by falling debris when part of a cliff crumbled.

The 28-year-old man had been enjoying a relaxing day on Southside beach with four others when the rocky cliff face fell about 30m.

The impact of the rocks caused serious injuries to his upper body about 2.15pm.

Paramedics were due to fly the victim to a Melbourne hospital for treatment but he required CPR at the scene and was unable to be revived.

Two people in their 20s, a male and a female, were also injured after the cliff caved in.

They were taken to Geelong hospital in a stable condition, having both suffered arm injuries.

On Friday afternoon the clothing-optional beach became a major crime scene as investigators compiled a brief of evidence about the circumstances of the incident for the coroner.

It was cordoned off to the public as dozens of police combed the scene.

A man who witnessed the cliff collapse said he was sitting near the group moments ­before it happened.

Despite reports of a second landslide, Parks Victoria confirmed there had been no further collapses on Saturday. An update to the emergency advice instead advised to monitor conditions and be mindful of beach closures after yesterday’s incident.

Distraught beachgoers console each other. Picture: Mark Wilson

Two people with their arms in slings are escorted to an air ambulance.

“A woman started running towards me screaming when I was in the water,” the witness said. “I looked behind her and I saw a great big dark cloud of dust.”

The man, who wished to ­remain unnamed, said he wished Southside beach was never open to the public.

“I saw them all sitting right beneath it – it wasn’t safe – beaches like this shouldn’t be opened,” he said.

Several onlookers became noticeably distressed when news of the man’s death broke, causing them to evacuate the beach.

A 28-year-old man died while being airlifted to hospital. Picture: Mark Wilson

A policeman is seen retrieving people’s belongings from the rubble. Picture: Mark Wilson

Emergency crews swarmed the area. Picture: Supplied

Part of the Jarosite Mine Track gave way about 2.35pm. Picture: Supplied

The coast around Bells Beach is considered to have some of the most fragile cliff faces in the state, weakened by storms and high winds.

Many Victorians were out and about at beaches around the state on Friday as temperatures soared, with authorities warning people to remain vigilant around the water amid a spate of horror drownings. A post-mortem will be conducted on the Bells Beach victim and a report prepared for the coroner.

The investigation is ­ongoing.