Royal Navy helicopter crashes near A30 in Devon as emergency response continues and roads remain closed
A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field at Sourton Down near Okehampton in Devon, prompting a major emergency response and widespread road disruption across key routes in the area.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that emergency services were called to the scene in the early hours of Wednesday morning, June 3, after the aircraft came down in a rural field close to the A30 Sourton Cross slip road and the A386.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the helicopter was a Royal Navy aircraft. A Royal Navy spokesperson said the incident occurred shortly before 4am and that an investigation is now underway.
“An investigation is underway and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time,” the spokesperson said.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and it has not been confirmed how many people were on board. Authorities have not yet provided information on casualties.
Witness reports and local reaction
Residents across the area reported being woken in the early hours by a loud bang and unusual activity in the sky.
One local said they were “woken by a terrific racket and flashing lights,” adding that it was loud enough to make them jump out of bed. They noted there was no aircraft visible afterward but suggested it was likely connected to the incident.
Another resident said: “Got woken up [by a] loud bang about 3 this morning,” while others described hearing a helicopter flying very low around 3–3:30am, apparently heading towards Okehampton without visible lights.
Social media posts from nearby areas, including Tiverton, also referenced a loud noise in the middle of the night, with residents wondering whether it was connected to the crash.
Some locals suggested the pilot may have attempted to avoid a populated area, with one commenting that the aircraft “must be congratulated” if it was deliberately steered away from housing.
Crash location and emergency response
Police say the helicopter came down in a rural field at Sourton Down, around 4 miles (6.4 km) south-west of Okehampton. The area is part of a largely rural section of West Devon, though it sits near the busy A30 trunk road.
Emergency services remain at the scene, and multiple road closures are in place. Drivers have been urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Emergency services are at the scene after a crash involving a helicopter in a field at Sourton Down. Several road closures are in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area. The incident is ongoing and we will share more updates as we have them.”
Road closures and traffic disruption
Significant disruption continues on surrounding routes. The A386 Bowerland Road northbound is closed from the A30 at Sourton Cross to the A3079 Holsworthy Road at Fowley Cross, according to traffic monitoring service Inrix.
National Highways said the A30 eastbound exit slip to the A386 is also affected, with disruption expected to last until around 11:15–11:30am, though earlier estimates suggested delays could continue until approximately 12:30pm.
Despite closures, traffic in the wider area has been described as “coping well.”
Authorities confirmed that multiple major routes remain affected, including sections of the A386 and connecting roads around Sourton Down.
Investigation ongoing
The Royal Navy has confirmed that a formal investigation into the crash is underway. Officials have declined to provide further details at this stage.
Emergency services remain on site as the investigation continues into the cause of the crash and the condition of those involved.
Head of Investigations
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