The helicopter crash has sparked a number of street closures, police mentioned.
Devon: Footage exhibits scene of Royal Navy helicopter crash
Three members of the Royal Navy have died following a helicopter crash in a subject close to a significant A-road in Devon, the Ministry of Defence mentioned. The incident occurred within the early hours of Wednesday, June 3. The helicopter crashed close to Sourton, the MoD confirmed. A message from the ministry shared on X learn: “It’s with deep unhappiness that we will verify three members of the Royal Navy have died throughout a helicopter coaching train simply earlier than 0400 on Wednesday 3 June close to Sourton, Devon.
“The households of the Service personnel have been knowledgeable and have requested a interval of grace earlier than additional particulars are launched. Our ideas and sympathies are with their households and mates at this unhappy time.” Earlier this morning, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed emergency providers had been scrambled after a helicopter had crashed in a subject at Sourton Down. The drive added: “A number of street closures are in place across the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and providers space. The incident is ongoing and we are going to share extra updates as now we have them.”
2 days in the past17:50 Catherine Mackinlay
Navy wives choir pays tribute to aircrew killed in crash
The Yeovilton Navy Wives Choir has paid tribute to the three service personnel who misplaced their lives within the helicopter crash close to Sourton, Devon.
In a submit on Fb, the choir mentioned: “Our deepest and sincerest condolences exit to the households and family members of the three service personnel who sadly misplaced their lives this morning. Could they relaxation in peace.”
The group added: “Our ideas and prayers are with their household, mates and colleagues at this unhappy time.”
Tributes have continued to pour in from army organisations, politicians and members of the general public following the tragedy.
2 days in the past17:18 Catherine Mackinlay
Highway closed by police earlier
A number of roads close to the scene of the helicopter crash at Sourton Down have been closed earlier right this moment as emergency providers and investigators responded to the incident.
The closures affected components of the A386 and the A30 close to Sourton Cross whereas police, hearth crews and air accident investigators carried out their work.
Most routes have since reopened, though investigations on the crash web site stay ongoing.
Highway closed by police close to the scene (Picture: Getty Photographs) 2 days in the past16:57 Catherine Mackinlay
Location of the crash
The crash occurred at Sourton Down, close to Okehampton, within the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Devon and Cornwall Police mentioned emergency providers attended the scene, whereas the Royal Navy mentioned the incident occurred shortly earlier than 4am.
Sourton Down is situated near the A30 on the northern fringe of Dartmoor, close to the Sourton Cross junction the place the A30 meets the A386.
A number of street closures have been put in place across the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross space following the incident.
Site visitors England had beforehand warned that the A30 eastbound exit slip street to the A386 can be affected till round 12.30pm.
Sourton Down, close to Okehampton (Picture: Google) 2 days in the past16:37 Paul Withers
Princess Kate shares emotional message
Princess Kate has mentioned she is “saddened” to listen to of the deadly helicopter collision in Devon.
In a message posted to social media, the Princess of Wales mentioned: “I used to be so saddened to listen to of the tragic lack of three service personnel from the Fleet Air Arm following a helicopter coaching train final evening.
“William and I maintain their households and mates in our hearts at this very troublesome time. C”
(Picture: Getty)
Witnesses on the scene mentioned they heard noises that gave the impression of “troubled mechanics” as a helicopter flew over, in accordance with the BBC.
One described it as “sounding not proper” because it flew over his home and mentioned “it nearly took the roof off” his house.
2 days in the past16:08 Catherine Mackinlay
Mountain Rescue group attends the positioning
Mountain Rescue group close to to crash scene of the Royal Navy helicopter in Sourton Down, off the A30 close to Okehampton.
Mountain Rescue group close to to crash scene of the Royal Navy helicopter in Sourton Down, off the A30 n (Picture: Tom Wren / SWNS)
Mountain Rescue group close to to crash scene of the Royal Navy helicopter in Sourton Down (Picture: Tom Wren / SWNS) 2 days in the past15:55 Catherine Mackinlay
Italian Defence Ministry points tribute
The Italian Ministry of Defence has expressed its condolences following the deaths of three British servicemen in a helicopter crash close to Sourton, Devon.
In an announcement, the ministry and Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto mentioned they have been deeply saddened by the tragedy, which occurred throughout a coaching train.
The assertion learn:
“The Italian Ministry of Defence and Minister Guido Crosetto specific their deepest condolences on the tragic lack of three British servicemen who misplaced their lives throughout a coaching train following a helicopter crash close to Sourton, Devon.
“We prolong our deepest sympathy and condolences to the UK Armed Forces, Defence Secretary John Healey and the households of the fallen servicemen at the moment of nice sorrow.”
The Italian Ministry of Defence and Minister @GuidoCrosetto specific their deepest condolences on the tragic lack of three British servicemen who misplaced their lives throughout a coaching train following a helicopter crash close to Sourton, Devon nation.
We prolong our deepest sympathyu2026u2014 Ministero Difesa (@MinisteroDifesa) June 3, 2026
MP for Exmouth & Exeter East, David Reed, mentioned he was “profoundly saddened” by the deaths following the incident close to Sourton within the early hours of this morning.
In an announcement shared on social media, Mr Reed mentioned:
“It’s with profound unhappiness that I discovered of the tragic lack of three Royal Navy aircrew in a helicopter crash close to Sourton, Devon, within the early hours of this morning.
“My heartfelt condolences go to their households, mates, and all who knew them.”
It’s with profound unhappiness that I discovered of the tragic lack of three Royal Navy aircrew in a helicopter crash close to Sourton, Devon, within the early hours of this morning. My heartfelt condolences go to their households, mates, and all who knew them. https://t.co/8ojzVZ1bZn
u2014 David Reed MP (@David__Reed) June 3, 2026
2 days in the past15:22 Alice Scarsi
King Charles conscious of the crash, it’s understood
King Charles is conscious of the tragic Royal Navy helicopter crash and the loss of life of three service personnel and can write privately to the households, it’s understood.
2 days in the past14:36 Alice Scarsi
John Healey ‘devastated’ by the loss
Defence Secretary John Healey mentioned: “I’m devastated by the lack of three service personnel in a single day.
“They served with excellence and will probably be a lot missed.
“All our ideas are with their households, mates and people they served with at this extremely unhappy time.
“I thank the emergency providers for his or her response.”
Defence Secretary John Healey mentioned he was ‘devastated by the lack of three service personnel’ (Picture: Getty) 2 days in the past14:17 Antonio Scancariello
Assertion from head of the Navy
The pinnacle of the Navy, Common Sir Gwyn Jenkins, mentioned in an announcement: “I’m deeply saddened to share the information that three crewmembers onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed within the early hours of this morning close to Sourton, Devon.
“I do know this may come as an enormous shock to all in our Naval neighborhood, and my deepest condolences exit to the households, mates and family members impacted by this tragedy.
“I wish to thank Devon and Cornwall Police and the search and rescue groups who responded to the incident this morning.
“An investigation is beneath approach and additional updates will probably be supplied in the end.”
pic.twitter.com/8RDUeHuTLG
— First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Employees (@GenGJenkinsRM) June 3, 2026
2 days in the past14:11 Antonio Scancariello
Three members of the Royal Navy have died throughout a coaching train
A Navy spokesperson mentioned: “It’s with deep unhappiness that we will verify three members of the Royal Navy have died throughout a helicopter coaching train simply earlier than 4am on Wednesday, 3 June, close to Sourton, Devon.
“The households of the Service personnel have been knowledgeable and have requested a interval of grace earlier than additional particulars are launched. Our ideas and sympathies are with their households and mates at this unhappy time.”
It’s with deep unhappiness that we will verify three members of the Royal Navy have died throughout a helicopter coaching train on Wednesday 3 June close to Sourton, Devon. pic.twitter.com/rbPBmHZvOu
— Ministry of Defence ???????? (@DefenceHQ) June 3, 2026
2 days in the past13:50 Antonio Scancariello
‘Almighty flash of pink’
A witness advised ITV Information he heard engines minimize out earlier than seeing an “almighty flash of pink” when the helicopter crashed.
Eddie Amhof advised the broadcaster: “I heard this horrendous noise from a helicopter, it gave the impression of he was going to pitch on the roof. It was a horrible noise.
“By the point I obtained off the bed, and obtained to the window, he’d moved away about half-a-mile.
“And abruptly, no noise in any respect. The engines was gone.”
The resident added: “Concurrently the engines went, there was an almighty flash of pink which lit up the sky.
“About 5 to 6 minutes after that there was an enormous bang, an explosion.”
A spokesperson for All Saints Parish Church Okehampton: “We’re deeply saddened to listen to of the helicopter incident earlier this morning simply exterior the city. Our ideas and prayers are with these affected and the emergency providers in attendance serving to on the scene.
“Our armed forces have an extended affiliation with Okehampton, as Okehampton camp sits simply exterior the city centre.”
2 days in the past13:44 Antonio Scancariello
Site visitors replace
In line with the most recent site visitors updates, the street has been reopened.
Replace 13:31 The A386 has now reopened. JC#Devon 03/06/26 04:57 The A386 between A30 Sourton Down and the A3079 Fowley Cross, Okehampton is presently closed attributable to a police incident. Please use an alternate route. TD pic.twitter.com/rujfYyurCc
— Devon Alert (@DevonAlert) June 3, 2026
2 days in the past13:28 Antonio Scancariello
Royal Air Power rescue on the scene
The Royal Air Power Mountain Rescue are presently on the scene too.
The scene of the helicopter crash (Picture: FPS Photographs)
Sharing an replace on the crash shortly earlier than 1pm, Devon and Cornwall Police mentioned: “Police have been notified at roughly 3.45am this morning, Wednesday 3 June, following reviews of a crash involving a Royal Navy helicopter in a subject at Sourton Down, close to Okehampton in Devon.
“The incident resulted in a multi-agency response with emergency providers nonetheless on scene. The Ministry of Defence are additionally in attendance.
“A number of street closures stay in place within the space, together with across the A386 and on the A30 Sourton Cross slip street and providers space.
“Motorists are suggested to keep away from the world the place potential and search various routes. Our enquiries stay ongoing on the scene.”
2 days in the past12:29 Antonio Scancariello
Extra pictures from the scene
Some pictures from the scene of the helicopter crash.
(Picture: FPS Photographs)
A lane closure is in place whereas emergency providers stay on the scene. (Picture: FPS Photographs) 2 days in the past12:11 Antonio Scancariello
‘Deeply worrying time,’ PM mentioned
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer advised MPs it was a “deeply worrying time” for the households of these concerned within the Royal Navy helicopter crash in Devon.
2 days in the past11:31 Antonio Scancariello
Photograph from the scene
Right here is a photograph exhibiting the street closure in place on the A30.
(Picture: DevonLive) 2 days in the past10:59 Antonio Scancariello
Scene of the crash near army facility
The world lies between the Royal Navy’s air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.
The scene of the crash is near Okehampton battle camp, a army facility on the sting of Dartmoor which has been used for coaching Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Power.
2 days in the past10:56 Antonio Scancariello
Highway closure nonetheless in place
Nationwide Highways mentioned the A30 eastbound exit slip to the A386 stays closed and is anticipated to clear between 1.30pm and 1.45pm.
Fred Thomas, the Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View shared a message on X.
I’m conscious of reviews {that a} Royal Navy helicopter has crashed right into a subject in at Sourton Cross.
I perceive a number of street closures are in place across the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip, while emergency providers reply to the incident.
It might not be acceptable to…
— Fred Thomas MP (@FredThomasUK) June 3, 2026
2 days in the past10:05 Antonio Scancariello
‘Terrific racket and flashing lights’
A resident mentioned she was woken by a “terrific racket and flashing lights” that made her “leap off the bed” in the midst of the evening, the Every day Mirror reported.
Posting to social media, the girl mentioned: “Shortly after going to mattress final evening I used to be woken by a terrific racket and flashing lights from overhead, sufficient to make me leap off the bed to see if there was an plane in bother. However there was nothing in sight.
“It sounds prefer it should be linked to this incident.”
2 days in the past09:54 Antonio Scancariello
Royal Navy confirms its helicopter was concerned within the incident
A Royal Navy spokesperson mentioned: “An incident occurred involving a Royal Navy helicopter simply earlier than 4am on Wednesday, 3 June close to Sourton, Devon. An investigation is underway and it might be inappropriate to remark additional at the moment.”
A helicopter which crashed right into a subject in Devon is known to be Royal Navy.
2 days in the past09:06 Antonio Scancariello
Newest site visitors replace
The newest replace from Inrix mentioned site visitors within the space is “coping nicely”.
Right here is the complete replace: “A386 Bowerland Highway Northbound closed attributable to police incident from A30 (Sourton Cross, Sourton Down) to A3079 Holsworthy Highway (Fowley Cross). Site visitors is coping nicely.”
2 days in the past08:53 Antonio Scancariello
Highway closure nonetheless in place
It’s understood the street closure will probably be in place for a number of hours.
2 days in the past08:35 Antonio Scancariello
Regular site visitors situations anticipated later this morning
Nationwide Highways mentioned the A30 eastbound exit slip to the A386 is presently closed. Regular site visitors situations are anticipated between 10.30am and 10.45am
2 days in the past08:01 Antonio Scancariello
Incident ongoing
Emergency providers have been on the scene within the Sourton Down space, close to Okehampton. Police mentioned the incident is ongoing.
2 days in the past07:43 Antonio Scancariello
Highway closure
The A386 Bowerland Highway Northbound is presently closed from A30 (Sourton Cross, Sourton Down) to A3079 Holsworthy Highway (Fowley Cross).
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police mentioned: “Emergency providers are on the scene after a crash involving a helicopter in a subject at Sourton Down.
“A number of street closures are in place across the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and providers space.
“The incident is ongoing and we are going to share extra updates as now we have them.”
2 days in the past07:41 Antonio Scancariello
Helicopter crashed at Sourton Down
The helicopter crashed at Sourton Down.
#Devon 03/06/26 04:57 The A386 between A30 Sourton Down and the A3079 Fowley Cross, Okehampton is presently closed attributable to a police incident. Please use an alternate route. TD @StagecoachSW @BBCDevon pic.twitter.com/ZeUI4AJ2X5
u2014 Devon Alert (@DevonAlert) June 3, 2026
2 days in the past07:39 Antonio Scancariello
Helicopter crashed in Devon
A helicopter has crashed in a subject close to a significant A-road in Devon.
Welcome to our dwell weblog. We’ll convey you the most recent on the incident in Devon.
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