The Bishop of Exeter has described the Royal Navy helicopter crash in Devon that killed three service personnel as a “tragic accident”.
Rt Rev Dr Mike Harrison, who has two adult children serving in the armed forces, said he was saddened to hear the news.
“The Royal Navy’s presence and activity is deeply entwined with the life of this county of Devon, and we grieve with the families and friends for the loss of these three lives. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with the bereaved both now and in the coming days and weeks.”
The helicopter crash near Okehampton, in Devon, took place last week during a training exercise. The aircraft, a Merlin Mk4 based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, came down while flying over Dartmoor.
The Vicar of Okehampton, Rev Claire Reynolds, said the town had been left “shocked and saddened” by the incident.
“Okehampton is shocked and saddened by these events. The town has close ties with the armed forces with Okehampton camp just being on the edge of town.
“Our deepest sympathy to all affected, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends. And we give thanks for the amazing emergency services, for all the help they have given, and for those involved at the scene.”
The helicopter was on a training exercise when it crashed. The Defence Accident Investigation Branch is leading the inquiry.