Three members of the Royal Navy have died in a helicopter crash in Devon throughout a coaching train, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has stated.
Emergency providers have been known as to the scene of the incident at Sourton Down, close to Okehampton, round 4am on Wednesday.
The pinnacle of the Navy, Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, stated in an announcement: “I’m deeply saddened to share the information that three crew members onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed within the early hours of this morning close to Sourton, Devon.
“I do know this may come as an enormous shock to all in our naval neighborhood, and my deepest condolences exit to the households, buddies and family members impacted by this tragedy.
“I wish to thank Devon and Cornwall police and the search and rescue groups who responded to the incident this morning. An investigation is beneath approach and additional updates will likely be offered in the end.”
In a put up on social media, the MoD added: “It’s with deep disappointment that we will verify three members of the Royal Navy have died throughout a helicopter coaching train on Wednesday 3 June close to Sourton, Devon.
“The households of the service personnel have been knowledgeable and have requested a interval of grace earlier than additional particulars are launched. Our ideas and sympathies are with their households and buddies at this unhappy time.”
Keir Starmer stated the deaths of the three personnel have been “totally tragic”.
He stated: “My ideas are with the households, buddies and family members of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly misplaced their lives this morning. Thanks to the emergency providers responding to this horrific incident.”
The defence secretary, John Healey, stated: “I’m devastated by the lack of three service personnel. They served with excellence and will likely be a lot missed. All our ideas are with their households, buddies and people they served with at this extremely unhappy time. I thank the emergency providers for his or her response.”
The king, who’s head of the armed forces, has an extended affiliation with Royal Navy, serving with them between 1971 and 1976. He’s understood to pay attention to the crash and the deaths of the three service personnel, and is predicted to share his condolences privately with their households.
The Princess of Wales, who’s commodore-in-chief of the Fleet Air Arm, one of many navy’s 5 combating arms, stated she was saddened to listen to of the deaths, including: “William and I maintain their households and buddies in our hearts at this very tough time.”
The world is between the Royal Navy’s airbases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall. The scene of the crash is near Okehampton battle camp, a army facility on the sting of Dartmoor which has been used for coaching Merlin helicopter crew from the commando helicopter power.
A witness advised ITV Information he had heard engines reduce out earlier than seeing an “almighty flash of crimson” when the helicopter crashed.
Eddie Amhof advised the broadcaster: “I heard this horrendous noise from a helicopter, it appeared like he was going to pitch on the roof. It was a horrible noise. By the point I bought away from bed, and bought to the window, he’d moved away about half a mile. And unexpectedly, no noise in any respect. The engines have been gone.”
He added: “Similtaneously the engines went, there was an almighty flash of crimson which lit up the sky. About 5 to 6 minutes after that there was an enormous bang, an explosion.”
The Merlin helicopter is primarily used for anti-submarine warfare. The plane will also be used for search and rescue, cargo transfers and maritime patrol, in line with the Royal Navy’s web site.
In 2024, a Merlin Mk4 ditched within the Channel throughout a coaching train, killing Lt Rhodri Leyshon.
