Three Royal Navy personnel have died in a helicopter crash in the United Kingdom during a training exercise in Devon.
Emergency services were called to Sourton Down, near Okehampton, at about 03:45 BST after a Merlin Mk4 helicopter came down during a routine training mission.
A Royal Navy spokesperson confirmed the fatalities occurred during a “helicopter training exercise”, adding that “the families of the service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released”.
The Princess of Wales, in her role as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, said she and William were “holding their families and friends in our hearts”.
Head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, confirmed the aircraft involved was a Merlin Mk4, which is operated from RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.
He said: “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.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the incident on X as “utterly tragic”, adding that he was thinking of “the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives”.
Defence Secretary John Healey also said he was “devastated by the loss of three service personnel”.
Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, called the incident “desperately tragic”.
“My thoughts are with the victims and also the family of those that have lost their lives,” she added.
The Princess of Wales later reiterated her sadness, saying she 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,” she said.
The BBC understands that she and the Prince of Wales are expected to reach out to the families directly in the coming days.
It is also understood that the King has been informed and will write privately to the bereaved families.
A spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the crash will be investigated by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch.
Julie Ricketts, a local resident living across the valley from the crash site, described the news as “so sad”.
“They were only training,” she said. “It’s just very, very sad for the families.”
Flowers and a handwritten note have been left near the site, reading: “our deepest condolences to your families and friends. Thank you for your service”.
The Merlin helicopter involved entered Royal Navy service in 1999. The Mk2 variant is based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, while the Mk4 is operated by the Commando Helicopter Force at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.
Military helicopters frequently train over north Dartmoor, located between the Yeovilton and Culdrose bases.
In September 2024, a Merlin Mk4 ditched in the Channel during a training exercise, killing Lt Rhodri Leyshon. In March 2004, another Merlin crashed at RNAS Culdrose, injuring crew members.
The wreckage of the aircraft remains visible in a field in Devon.
Witnesses reported hearing unusual sounds moments before the crash.
One said it sounded like “troubled mechanics” as the helicopter passed overhead, adding it “sounded not right” and “it almost took the roof off” his home.
The crash site is close to Okehampton battle camp, a military training area used by Merlin crews from the Commando Helicopter Force.
Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan confirmed multiple agencies, including emergency services and the Civil Aviation Authority, are involved in the ongoing investigation.
“We continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding that crash,” Vaughan added.
Paul, a nearby resident, said, “Early this morning I was woken up in bed by an extremely low-flying helicopter. We live just down the bottom of the valley.
“It just sounded very, very low. We get them over quite often. I would say most weeks we get low-flying helicopters, low-flying jets, transporters. I guess it’s a well-trodden route.
“It’s heart-breaking, isn’t it? No-one wants to see that for sure. It’s just really sad that there’s been fatalities there.”
Devon and Somerset Fire Service confirmed seven engines from six stations attended the scene, with one appliance remaining.
The A386 between the A30 at Sourton Down and the A3079 at Okehampton was closed shortly after the incident but has since reopened, though part of the A30 exit slip road remains shut.
Staff at Sourton Cross Service Station, near the scene, said the area remains inaccessible.
