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Two dead in Army helicopter crash Two dead in Army helicopter crash
(40 minutes later)
Two people have died after an Army helicopter crashed in Devon.Two people have died after an Army helicopter crashed in Devon.
The Squirrel helicopter came down in dense woodland near Kingscott, Torrington, at 1545 BST. An air exclusion zone has been put in place.The Squirrel helicopter came down in dense woodland near Kingscott, Torrington, at 1545 BST. An air exclusion zone has been put in place.
One crew member was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was flown to North Devon District Hospital but died later from his injuries.One crew member was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was flown to North Devon District Hospital but died later from his injuries.
An eyewitness told BBC News the training helicopter hit power lines before crashing.An eyewitness told BBC News the training helicopter hit power lines before crashing.
It is believed the helicopter was on a routine training exercise. It is believed the helicopter was taking part in a routine low-flying training exercise.
Devon and Cornwall Police have sealed off the crash site to await the arrival of an army investigation unit which will lead the inquiry. 'Blue flash'
Local farmer Paul Herininan said two helicopters were operating closely together when one appeared to hit a power line. Devon and Cornwall Police sealed off the crash site for an army investigation unit which has arrived and will lead the inquiry.
Other eyewitnesses have reported seeing "a great blue crash" Local farmer Paul Herniman said two helicopters were operating closely together when one appeared to hit a power line.
This has not been confirmed by investigators or the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Other eyewitnesses have reported seeing "a great blue flash".
Power cut
An MoD spokesperson said: "Sadly, we can confirm that both service personnel on board have died. Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time.An MoD spokesperson said: "Sadly, we can confirm that both service personnel on board have died. Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time.
"The next of kin are currently being informed. We will confirm further details once this process has been completed.""The next of kin are currently being informed. We will confirm further details once this process has been completed."
Wreckage from the helicopter has been found some distance from the crash site.
About 12,000 homes in the area lost electricity supplies at about the time of the accident, although it is not known if this was linked to the crash.About 12,000 homes in the area lost electricity supplies at about the time of the accident, although it is not known if this was linked to the crash.
Western Power Distribution said the crash caused damage to a 33,000 volt line and an 11,000 volt line.
Power was restored within seven minutes but 24 homes were not reconnected.
The Squirrel is used to train pilots in all three of the UK's armed servicesThe Squirrel is used to train pilots in all three of the UK's armed services
Western Power Distribution said it had switched to an alternative supply, but was unable to confirm if the incidents were related. This was at the request of investigating teams because of the fire from fuel spillage.
An RAF rescue helicopter from RMB Chivenor was scrambled and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue sent crews to the scene. An RAF rescue helicopter from RMB Chivenor and a Portland Coastguard helicopter were scrambled following the crash and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue sent crews to the scene.
Roads close to the crash site have been closed and a two nautical mile air exclusion zone put in place.Roads close to the crash site have been closed and a two nautical mile air exclusion zone put in place.
There have been other fatal crashes involving the French-made Squirrel helicopter, including one which killed the former world rally champion Colin McRae in September 2007.There have been other fatal crashes involving the French-made Squirrel helicopter, including one which killed the former world rally champion Colin McRae in September 2007.
In January of the same year, two RAF Squirrels crashed in Shropshire killing a flying instructor and injuring three other people.In January of the same year, two RAF Squirrels crashed in Shropshire killing a flying instructor and injuring three other people.
The two-seat training helicopter, brought into service in the mid 1990s, is used to instruct pilots from all three armed services in the UK.The two-seat training helicopter, brought into service in the mid 1990s, is used to instruct pilots from all three armed services in the UK.
Are you in the area? Did you see the helicopter come down? You can send us your experiences using the form below:Are you in the area? Did you see the helicopter come down? You can send us your experiences using the form below:
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