A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field near Okehampton in Devon, southwest England, prompting a major emergency response and sparking concerns over the fate of those on board.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as a “deeply worrying time” for the families affected, assuring that more information would be made available as investigations progress.
According to Devon and Cornwall Police, emergency services were called to the crash site at Sourton Down near Okehampton at about 3:45 a.m. BST on Wednesday.
Chief Constable James Vaughan said a major incident was declared immediately after reports of the crash.
“We will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding that crash,” Vaughan said, adding that emergency responders, the Royal Navy and the Civil Aviation Authority, were working together at the scene.
A spokesperson for the Royal Navy confirmed the crash and said an investigation had commenced.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time,” the spokesperson stated.
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons, Starmer acknowledged the incident and expressed sympathy for those affected.
“This will be a deeply worrying time for the families and more information will be set out as soon as possible,” the Prime Minister said.
Military helicopters frequently conduct training exercises around north Dartmoor, an area located between the Royal Navy’s air stations at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.
The crash site is close to Okehampton Battle Camp, a military training facility often used by Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force. Reports indicate that the helicopter involved was based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton.
Eyewitnesses told local media that the aircraft appeared to be experiencing difficulties before it crashed.
BBC reporter Richard Green, who visited the scene, said witnesses described hearing sounds resembling mechanical failure as the helicopter flew overhead.
“A witness I spoke to described it as sounding not right as it flew over his house and it almost took the roof of his house off,” Green said.
“He said it sounded like it was clearly in trouble and it sounded like it was mechanically failing.”
The crash forced the closure of the A386 road between Sourton Down and Okehampton from about 4:30 a.m., with authorities urging motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said seven fire engines from six stations, including one from neighbouring Cornwall, were deployed alongside specialist teams.
“Several specialist resources were also deployed including an Environmental Protection Unit, Welfare Unit, Command Unit and an Urban Search and Rescue team,” a fire service spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that one appliance remained at the scene as emergency operations continued.
Authorities were yet to release details on casualties or the cause of the crash as investigations remained ongoing.
