ALBAWABA- Three members of the Royal Navy were killed early Wednesday when a military helicopter crashed during a night training exercise in Devon, southwestern England, prompting a major emergency response and an investigation into the cause of the accident.
The helicopter went down near Sourton Down, close to the town of Okehampton on the northern edge of Dartmoor. Residents living near the crash site reported hearing unusual mechanical noises before seeing a bright flash and hearing a powerful explosion.
Emergency services, including Devon and Cornwall Police and search-and-rescue teams, arrived at the scene shortly after 4:30 a.m. Authorities established a security perimeter and closed nearby roads, including sections around the A386 and A30, to facilitate recovery operations and forensic examinations.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that all three fatalities were members of the helicopter's crew. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, with officials granting a period of privacy for their families.
The First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, confirmed that the aircraft involved was an AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin Mk4 helicopter, a key platform used by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines for amphibious operations, troop transport, maritime missions, and search-and-rescue tasks. The aircraft is commonly operated by the Commando Helicopter Force.
The crash occurred in an area frequently used for military training exercises. Sourton Down lies near the Okehampton Battle Camp and between the Royal Navy's principal air stations at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall, making it a regular location for demanding night-flight and deployment training.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "utterly tragic" and extended his condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims. Defence Secretary John Healey said the fallen personnel had "served with excellence and will be much missed."
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, also expressed their sympathies. Catherine, who serves as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, said the victims' families and friends were in their thoughts during a difficult time.
The Merlin fleet is widely regarded as one of the Royal Navy's most reliable helicopter platforms. However, the latest accident follows another fatal Merlin Mk4 incident in September 2024, when a helicopter crashed into the English Channel during a night training exercise off the Dorset coast, killing a Royal Navy pilot.
