Royal Navy helicopter (representational image)
A Royal Navy helicopter crashed into a field in Devon, southwest England, early Wednesday morning, prompting a large-scale emergency response and road closures in the area, authorities said.According to The Guardian, the accident occurred at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, on the edge of North Dartmoor, an area frequently used for military aviation training.Devon and Cornwall Police said emergency services were at the scene and described the situation as ongoing.The Ministry of Defense confirmed that the plane in question belonged to the Royal Navy. However, officials have not yet announced details about the type of helicopter, how many people were on board, or whether there were any casualties.A Royal Navy spokesman said the incident occurred shortly before 4 a.m. local time (BST) and that an investigation had been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time,” the spokesperson said, adding that investigations are ongoing.
Emergency services were deployed and roads were closed
Police, fire, and ambulance forces moved to the accident site, while emergency personnel remained at the scene for several hours after the accident.
The authorities imposed a cordon around the area while response and investigation work continues.Roads were closed from around 4.30am, affecting major roads near the accident site.National Highways said the A386 between the A30 at Sourton Down and the A3079 at Folly Cross, near Okehampton, was closed and was expected to remain closed until at least midday.Several restrictions have also been put in place around the A30 Sourton Cross slip roads and the nearby services area.The accident occurred in an area where military helicopters regularly conduct training missions. While the cause of the accident remains unclear, aviation investigators and military officials are expected to examine the wreckage and flight conditions as part of the investigation.Staff at nearby Sourton Cross Service Station reported that access to the facility was affected due to the emergency operation.Devon and Cornwall Police said more information will be released when it becomes available. The authorities asked motorists to avoid the area and follow diversionary routes while emergency and investigation teams continue their work at the scene.