CHOPPER TRAGEDY
Three killed in Royal Navy helicopter crash – as video reveals huge fire after chopper burst into flames in mid-air
THREE members of the Royal Navy have been killed after a helicopter turned into a “fireball in mid air” before crashing to the ground.
The aircraft was flying over Sourton, in Devon, in the early hours of this morning when it caught fire.
Images show the aftermath of the crash, with the wreckage of the helicopter left strewn across a fieldCredit: Neil Hope
The chopper came down in the early hours of the morning near the A30 in Sourton Down, DevonCredit: The Sun
The Royal Navy confirmed three service personnel died in the horror, which occurred at around 4am.
Issuing a statement, the head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said he was “deeply saddened” in the wake of the tragedy.
It read: “I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our Naval community.
“My deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.
Fire crews rushed to the scene to battle the inferno with multi-agency staff still on the scene todayCredit: The Sun
MOD personnel are at the crash site as an investigation into the horror gets underwayCredit: The Sun
The cause of the crash remains unknown at this timeCredit: The Sun
“I would like to thank Devon and Cornwall Police and the search and rescue teams who responded to the incident this morning.
“An investigation is under way and further updates will be provided in due course.”
Responding to the fatal Royal Navy helicopter crash, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was “utterly tragic”.
He said: “My thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives this morning.
“Thank you to the emergency services responding to this horrific incident.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “I am devastated by the loss of three service personnel overnight.
“They served with excellence and will be much missed.
“All our thoughts are with their families, friends and those they served with at this incredibly sad time.
Emergency services were scrambled to the scene of the crash and closed a number of roads in the surrounding areaCredit: Neil Hope
Drivers have been warned to expect delays as emergency crews work at the scene of the crashCredit: BPM
“I thank the emergency services for their response.”
Eyewitness Louise, 32, was driving home from her night shift along the A30 when she witnessed the disaster.
She said: “I saw a ball of fire in the sky.
“It crashed into the field and then exploded. It was terrifying. I don’t think anyone could have survived that.
“It all happened so quickly.”
The mum-of-one said she noticed the flaming chopper “pointing nose down towards the ground” before it plummeted.
The helicopter – an AgustaWestland Merlin – can carry up to three crew and 24 fully laden troops.
And it is not the first time a Merlin helicopter has crashed, with the most recent tragedy occurring less than two years ago.
But it is not the first time a Merlin helicopter has crashed in the UKCredit: Alamy
The cause of the crash remains unknownCredit: SWNS
A pilot tragically died after a chopper operating from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth ditched into the sea off Dorset in September 2024.
Publicly available flight records suggest it came down on farmland north of Sourton Down near the A386 and A30.
The area is just west of Dartmoor and nearby Okehampton Battle Camp which is used extensively to train Royal Marine commandos and for navigation training for helicopter pilots.
Louise added: “It looked like a missile. It hit the ground and there was a huge explosion and then flames.
“I pulled over in a layby and watched. It was a horrible sight.
“I stayed there for about 10 or 15 minutes and watched as all the police and fire engines arrived.
“I was trying to work out what it was and then realised it was a helicopter. I was like, what the hell has happened.
“I was on the phone to my partner at the time as we have a young baby at home. It was really scary.”
A nearby helipad described the weather as “gloopy” with strong winds, poor visibility and showers.
Emergency services were scrambled to the crash site and closed several roads in the surrounding area including Sourton Services.
Shocking video filmed in the aftermath of today’s crash showed the helicopter burning on the ground while fire crews tackled the blaze.
Pictures taken later showed the smouldering blackened remains of the downed chopper.
Part of the tailfin and rotor, a main rotor blade, and a wheel could be seen among the debris.
Locals said they heard several helicopters in the area last night, with some saying they later heard explosions.
The Royal Navy has two air bases close to Devon – RNAS Culdrose near Helston, Cornwall, and RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset – which houses more than 100 aircraft.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were notified at approximately 3.45am this morning, Wednesday 3 June, following reports of a crash involving a Royal Navy helicopter in a field at Sourton Down, near Okehampton in Devon.
“The incident resulted in a multi-agency response with emergency services still on scene. The Ministry of Defence are also in attendance.
“Several road closures remain in place in the area, including around the A386 and at the A30 Sourton Cross slip road and services area.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and seek alternative routes.
“Our enquiries remain ongoing at the scene. Please contact the Ministry of Defence for further information going forward.”
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