Three members of Britain’s Royal Navy have been killed after a helicopter crashed into a field in Devon, south-west England. There are several naval bases near the crash site.
Source: BBC News, The Guardian
“It is with great sadness that we confirm that three members of the Royal Navy were killed during helicopter training at approximately 4am on Wednesday 3 June near Sourton, Devon,” the Navy said.
“The families of the soldiers have been informed and have asked for some time before more details are released. Our thoughts and condolences go out to their families and friends at this sad time.”
Witnesses told the BBC they heard noises that sounded like the engine was “faltering” as the helicopter flew overhead. “One witness I spoke to described that the sound was wrong when the helicopter flew over his house and that the roof was almost blown off,” said BBC reporter Richard Green. “He said it sounded like the plane was clearly in trouble and it looked like there was a mechanical failure.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer briefly reflected on the accident during question time in the British Parliament this afternoon. “This is a very worrying time for the bereaved,” Starmer said.