Royal Navy helicopter crash: Three dead as chopper crashes in Devon field during training exercise
The tragedy has prompted condolences from the head of the Royal Navy as well as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field during a training exercise, killing three service members on board.
A Royal Navy spokesperson confirmed to Sky News UK that the aircraft crashed in Devon.
“It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise,” the spokesman said.
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General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, head of the Royal Navy, released a statement on the tragedy confirming that the craft was a Merlin Mk4 helicopter.
“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,” he said.
“An investigation is under way, and further updates will be provided in due course.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed his sadness online, describing the crash as “utterly tragic”, adding that his “thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on X that the fatal crash was “utterly tragic” and his “thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives” while Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated”.
Witnesses in the area described to the BBC hearing the sounds of “troubled mechanics” as one chopper flew overhead.
