Three members of the Royal Navy have died after a navy helicopter crashed throughout a coaching train in Devon, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.The incident occurred close to Sourton Down, near Okehampton, within the early hours of Wednesday morning. Emergency providers have been alerted at round 3.45am after experiences {that a} Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter had come down in a area.In response to the Ministry of Defence, the plane was collaborating in a coaching train when it crashed.In a publish on X, the ministry mentioned: “It’s with deep disappointment that we are able to affirm three members of the Royal Navy have died throughout a helicopter coaching train on Wednesday, 3 June close to Sourton, Devon.”The ministry added that the households of the deceased personnel had been knowledgeable.“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 mentioned.The identities of the three personnel haven’t but been launched. Normal Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and head of the Royal Navy, mentioned he was “deeply saddened” by the deaths.He mentioned: “I’m deeply saddened to share the information that three crew members 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 can come as an enormous shock to all in our Naval group, and my deepest condolences exit to the households, mates and family members impacted by this tragedy.“I want to thank Devon and Cornwall Police and the search and rescue groups who responded to the incident this morning.”Devon and Cornwall Police mentioned officers have been known as to the scene shortly earlier than 4am and emergency providers responded to the crash web site.
