Three members of the Royal Navy have died after a helicopter crashed into a field during a training exercise.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the incident happened just before 4am on Wednesday, with images showing the destroyed aircraft at the scene.
Police said emergency services were notified at around 3.45am after reports of a crash at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, Devon.
The head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said: “I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crewmembers onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed in the early hours of this morning near Sourton, Devon.
“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.”
The MoD said the families of the service personnel killed in the incident have been informed.
In a statement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the crash, and later described the incident on social media as “utterly tragic”.
Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated” at the three deaths of personnel who “served with excellence and will be much missed”.
It is understood the King is aware of incident and will write privately to the families.
The Princess of Wales, who is Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, said in a personally signed message posted on social media: “I was so saddened to hear of the tragic loss of three service personnel from the Fleet Air Arm following a helicopter training exercise last night.
“William and I hold their families and friends in our hearts at this very difficult time.”
It is understood that Kate and the Prince of Wales will contact the families of those who died in the coming days.
Merlin helicopters, such as the Merlin Mk4 involved in the incident, usually have a crew of four and can carry up to 24 troops.
Devon & Cornwall Police said: “Three members of the Royal Navy were onboard the aircraft at the time and have all sadly been confirmed deceased.”
The force asked people not to post videos and images online, but instead share them with police.
A witness told ITV News he heard engines cut out before seeing an “almighty flash of red” when the helicopter crashed.
Eddie Amhof told the broadcaster: “I heard this horrendous noise from a helicopter, it sounded like he was going to pitch on the roof. It was a terrible noise.
“By the time I got out of bed, and got to the window, he’d moved away about half a mile.
“And all of a sudden, no noise at all. The engines was gone.”
The local resident added: “At the same time as the engines went, there was an almighty flash of red which lit up the sky.
“About five to six minutes after that there was a big bang, an explosion.”
In 2024, a Merlin Mk4 ditched in the Channel during a training exercise, killing Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon.The area lies between the Royal Navy’s air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.
The scene of the crash is close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the edge of Dartmoor which has been used for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force.
The Merlin helicopter is primarily used for anti-submarine warfare.
The aircraft can also be used for search and rescue, cargo transfers and maritime patrol, according to the Royal Navy’s website.
