'Deep sadness' as three people killed after Royal Navy helicopter crashes into field in Devon
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The families have been informed
Three people have died after a Royal Navy helicopter crashed into a field during a training exercise.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the incident happened just before 4am on Wednesday, with images emerging of the destroyed aircraft at the scene. Police said emergency services were notified at around 3.45am after reports of a crash at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, Devon.
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crewmembers onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed in the early hours of this morning near Sourton, Devon.
“I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our Naval community, and my deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. I would like to thank Devon and Cornwall Police and the search and rescue teams who responded to the incident this morning. An investigation is under way and further updates will be provided in due course.”
The MoD also confirmed the news in a social media statement with “deep sadness”. “The families of the service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released,” they added. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this sad time.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “I am devastated by the loss of three service personnel overnight. They served with excellence and will be much missed. All our thoughts are with their families, friends and those they served with at this incredibly sad time. I thank the emergency services for their response.”
Images have emerged of the scene showing how the front of the aircraft was destroyed in the incident. Merlin helicopters usually have a crew of four and can carry up to 24 troops.
Responding to the fatal Royal Navy helicopter crash, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was “utterly tragic”. He said: “My thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives this morning. Thank you to the emergency services responding to this horrific incident.”
Earlier today, a Royal Navy spokesperson said an investigation is underway to determine what happened. 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.”
The crash site lies between the Royal Navy’s air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall. The scene 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.