Three Royal Navy personnel killed in Devon helicopter crash
Three Royal Navy personnel have died following a helicopter crash during a training exercise at Sourton Down, near Okehampton in Devon, prompting a major emergency response and an immediate investigation.
Three Royal Navy personnel have died after a helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Devon.
Emergency services were called to Sourton Down, near Okehampton, at about 03:45 BST on Wednesday, June 3, where a major incident was declared.
The Royal Navy confirmed the fatalities and said an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The families of those who died have been informed and are receiving specialist support.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Royal Navy said: "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."
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the MP for neighbouring Torridge and Tavistock, Sir Geoffrey Cox, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
"My profound sympathy for the families of those who died in the tragic RN helicopter crash at Sourton Down this morning," he said.
"It is another reminder of how those who serve in our armed forces in peace and war are exposed to constant risk and peril for the sake of us all."