'Deep sadness' as three people killed after Royal Navy helicopter crashes into field in Devon
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Emergency services have rushed to the scene
A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field and sparked an emergency service response.
Several nearby roads have been closed after the aircraft crash landed in Devon. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a military helicopter was involved in the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: “The incident is ongoing and we will share more updates as we have them. The Ministry of Defence have confirmed it was a Royal Navy helicopter.” Images which have emerged from the scene show the front of the aircraft, which appear to be a Merlin helicopter, following the landing. Merlin helicopters usually have a crew of four and can carry up to 24 troops.
A spokesperson for the Royal Navy said it happened just before 4am on Wednesday. The spokesperson gave no further details, adding: “An investigation is under way and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
A witness told ITV News he heard engines cut out before seeing an “almighty flash of red” when the helicopter crashed. Eddie Amhof told the broadcaster: “I heard this horrendous noise from a helicopter, it sounded like he was going to pitch on the roof. It was a terrible noise. By the time I got out of bed, and got to the window, he’d moved away about half-a-mile. And all of a sudden, no noise at all. The engines was gone.”
The local resident added: “At the same time as the engines went, there was an almighty flash of red which lit up the sky. About five to six minutes after that there was a big bang, an explosion.”
Several road closures are in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area. The area lies between the Royal Navy’s air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.
The scene of the crash is close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the edge of Dartmoor which has been used for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force. The Merlin helicopter is primarily used for anti-submarine warfare. The aircraft, often deployed alongside Royal Navy warships, can also be used for search and rescue missions, cargo transfers and maritime patrol.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer updated MPs in the House of Commons this morning. He said he was aware of the matter and added: “This will be a deeply worrying time for the families and more information will be set out as soon as possible.”