Three members of the UK's Royal Navy have died while taking part in a training exercise in the southwest of the country, the service announced on Wednesday.
In a statement posted to social media, the Royal Navy said the incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning near the village of Sourton in Devon. Emergency services responded to the scene and an investigation is ongoing.
The navy has since named the service personnel who died in the crash as Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, 42, Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24.
"All three dedicated their lives to serving the Royal Navy and their country," the navy said in a statement on Thursday. "Our thoughts remain with their families, friends and colleagues and we continue to demand their privacy is respected at this time".
Video footage circulating on social media appeared to show the helicopter engulfed in flames in a field.
The aircraft involved was reportedly a Merlin Mk4, which is primarily used for Royal Marines' "elevated" operations.
One witness told the BBC that they had heard sounds that seemed to indicate "troubled mechanics" as a helicopter flew over the area.
John Healey, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, thanked emergency services for their response to the scene and said he was "devastated by the loss" of the service personnel.
"They served with excellence and will be much missed," he added.
