Three members of the Royal Navy have died in a helicopter crash in Devon during a training exercise, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed. The incident occurred at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, around 4am on Wednesday.
The head of the Navy, Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, expressed deep sadness, saying: '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.' An investigation is under way.
The MoD stated that the families of the service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the deaths as 'utterly tragic', while Defence Secretary John Healey said he was 'devastated by the loss of three service personnel'.
The King, who served with the Royal Navy between 1971 and 1976, is understood to be aware of the crash and is expected to share his condolences privately with the families. The Princess of Wales, commodore-in-chief of the Fleet Air Arm, said she was saddened and that she and Prince William hold the families in their hearts.
The crash site is close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility used for training Merlin helicopter crew from the commando helicopter force. A witness reported hearing engines cut out before seeing an 'almighty flash of red' and later an explosion.
