Three British Navy Personnel Die in Devon Helicopter Crash

Kathmandu. Three members of the British Navy have died in a military helicopter crash during a training flight in the southwestern county of Devon, England.

According to the British Ministry of Defence, the accident occurred around 4 am on Wednesday during a training exercise near the village of Saughton in Devon. A navy spokesperson said the crashed helicopter was a British Navy Merlin helicopter.

In a statement released via social media, the Ministry of Defence expressed 'deep sorrow' over the incident and extended condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. Police and emergency rescue teams have been deployed to the scene of the accident.

According to Sky News, a local police spokesperson stated that an investigation into the incident is ongoing and further information will be released as it becomes available.

General Gwyn Jenkins, Chief of the British Navy, informed that a formal investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident. Detailed information about how the accident occurred has not yet been made public. The Ministry of Defence stated that a period of privacy would be maintained before releasing further information at the request of the families of the deceased.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed concern over the incident, stating that this is an extremely worrying and difficult time for the families of the deceased. He said that further information about the incident would be released as soon as possible.

According to British media, several British Navy military bases are located near the area where the accident occurred. Among these is HMNB Davenport, considered the largest naval base in Western Europe.

Officials have stated that an investigation into the cause and other details of the accident is ongoing.