The monarch has been made aware of the tragic crash, a Buckingham Palace source has confirmed
His Majesty King Charles III will privately write to the families of the three Royal Navy service personnel who died in a helicopter crash earlier this morning.
The crash occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning in a field near Sourton Down, in central Devon.
Emergency services rushed to the scene close to Okehampton, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
A Buckingham Palace source has told GB News that the King is aware of the tragic incident, adding that His Majesty will personally write to the families.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the deaths of the Navy personnel on social media this morning, posting: “It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise on Wednesday 3 June near Sourton, Devon.
“The families of the Service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this sad time.”
In a statement, the head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said he was “deeply saddened” by the news of the fatal crash.
His Majesty King Charles III will privately write to the families of the three Royal Navy service personnel who died in a helicopter crash earlier this morning
| PA
“I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our Naval community,” the statement read.
“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.”
He confirmed an investigation is underway and more details will be given in due course.
Roads in the surrounding area have been shut from 5am, affecting the A386 between the A30 at Sourton Down and the A3079 at Fowley Cross.
The Merlin helicopter involved in the crash typically operates with a three-person crew and serves the Royal Navy for troop and logistics transport.
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions earlier today, Sir Keir Starmer addressed the incident, acknowledging the distress facing those connected to the personnel involved.
“This will be a deeply worrying time for the families and more information will be set out as soon as possible,” the Prime Minister told the House.
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions earlier today, Sir Keir Starmer addressed the incident, acknowledging the distress facing those connected to the personnel involved
| PA
Meanwhile, Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated” by the loss of the service personnel.
“I am devastated by the loss of three service personnel overnight,” Mr Healey said.
“They served with excellence and will be much missed.”
The Defence Secretary offered his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who perished, whilst also expressing his appreciation for the swift response of emergency services to the crash site.
CRE: https://www.gbnews.com/royal/devon-helicopter-crash-king-charles-privately-write-families-three-royal-navy-members-killed
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