LONDON — Two amateur soccer players on their way to match on a summer afternoon were among 11 people known to have died in the fiery crash of a vintage fighter jet in southeastern England. Police fear the death toll will rise as the crash site is cleared.

The Hawker Hunter jet slammed onto a highway Saturday after it failed to pull out of a loop maneuver during the Shoreham Airshow, plowing through cars on the road and exploding in a huge fireball. The wreckage was scheduled to be removed from the site, about 45 miles south of London, today.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry of Sussex Police told the BBC today he’d be surprised if the number of deaths “doesn’t go above” the 11 currently known, but “would be really surprised if it would be more than 20.”

Among those confirmed dead were Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt, both 23, traveling together on their way to play in a soccer match. Personal trainer Matt Jones, 24, was also killed, his family said.

The Civil Aviation Authority has begun reviewing safety procedures.

The pilot, former Royal Air Force instructor Andrew Hill, 51, was in critical condition. Police issued a statement at the request of his family expressing their devastation.

“They send their prayers and heartfelt condolences to the families of all those affected at this difficult time,” the statement said.