Three Royal Navy personnel have died after a helicopter crashed into a field near Okehampton in Devon.
Emergency services declared a major incident after being called to the scene in Sourton Down, near Okehampton, shortly after 3:30am today (Wednesday).
The type of helicopter has also not been officially confirmed, but media reports suggest it was a Merlin AW101 operating out of RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.
A Royal Navy press statement issued this afternoon stated: “We are incredibly sad to report that three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise near Sourton, Devon in the early hours of Wednesday, 3 June.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives. Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident and an investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“All three families have been informed and are receiving specialist support from the Royal Navy.”
Head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said in a statement: “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.”
Reports circulating online suggest the helicopter had caught fire in mid-air before losing altitude and crashing; the accident site is close to the A30, not far from the Royal Marine Commando training facility at Okehampton Battle Camp.
- You can read more details about RNAS Yeovilton on the Royal Navy website