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Red Arrows engineer killed in RAF Valley jet crash | Red Arrows engineer killed in RAF Valley jet crash |
(about 2 hours later) | |
An engineer has died after a Red Arrows jet crashed at RAF Valley on Anglesey. | An engineer has died after a Red Arrows jet crashed at RAF Valley on Anglesey. |
The pilot of the Hawk aircraft, which is used by the famous aerobatic display team, survived and is receiving treatment in hospital. | |
Eyewitnesses had reported that only one person had ejected from the jet before it crashed and burst into flames. | Eyewitnesses had reported that only one person had ejected from the jet before it crashed and burst into flames. |
An air ambulance was sent to the scene at about 13:30 GMT on Tuesday but it was later confirmed the engineer had died. | An air ambulance was sent to the scene at about 13:30 GMT on Tuesday but it was later confirmed the engineer had died. |
Reading a statement at the RAF base, Group Captain Nick Tucker-Lowe described the crash as a "tragic accident" and said the families of the engineer and the pilot had been informed. | |
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, head of the RAF, said the crash was a "reminder that we must never take for granted the risks our people take in the service of our country". | Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, head of the RAF, said the crash was a "reminder that we must never take for granted the risks our people take in the service of our country". |
"My deepest thoughts are with the friends and family of those involved at this terrible time," he added. | "My deepest thoughts are with the friends and family of those involved at this terrible time," he added. |
Prime Minister Theresa May said: "My condolences to the family of the RAF engineer who sadly died today on Anglesey. | |
"My thoughts are also with the pilot and with the Red Arrows following this tragic incident." | |
North Wales Police said its investigators, supported by other specialists, would begin a joint investigation led by the Air Accident Investigation Branch. | North Wales Police said its investigators, supported by other specialists, would begin a joint investigation led by the Air Accident Investigation Branch. |
Eyewitnesses had described the moment they heard a loud explosion. | Eyewitnesses had described the moment they heard a loud explosion. |
Howard Rigby, who was playing golf near RAF Valley, said: "I turned immediately to the airport; I could see a ball of flame and a multi-coloured parachute. | |
"Just one parachute, not very high - which is a bit worrying. I immediately knew there'd been a major incident." | |
Sian Rebecca Williams, 18, was waiting at Rhosneigr railway station when the jet flew overhead. | Sian Rebecca Williams, 18, was waiting at Rhosneigr railway station when the jet flew overhead. |
She said: "The Red Arrow came over and because I'd hardly seen one before I thought 'Wow, it's out'. | She said: "The Red Arrow came over and because I'd hardly seen one before I thought 'Wow, it's out'. |
"From what I remember, it did a loop and flew towards the runway and looked like it was about to land. | "From what I remember, it did a loop and flew towards the runway and looked like it was about to land. |
"As I was looking I saw the parachute of one pilot open and then the plane hit the runway with a bang and a crumbling noise. | "As I was looking I saw the parachute of one pilot open and then the plane hit the runway with a bang and a crumbling noise. |
"Then it just burned bright orange and there was smoke everywhere." | "Then it just burned bright orange and there was smoke everywhere." |
The on-base fire engine drove out to the wreckage "instantly", she said, putting the flames out before an air ambulance arrived. | The on-base fire engine drove out to the wreckage "instantly", she said, putting the flames out before an air ambulance arrived. |
Anne Wilson, 52, who works at nearby The Anglesey Golf Club, saw the aftermath of the crash. | Anne Wilson, 52, who works at nearby The Anglesey Golf Club, saw the aftermath of the crash. |
She said: "I heard a very loud noise - we are used to the planes going over, but this was unusual. | |
"I did go and have a look and there was a big fireball and lots of smoke... quite a few of the members actually saw it. | "I did go and have a look and there was a big fireball and lots of smoke... quite a few of the members actually saw it. |
"They said the plane came in quite steeply and saw a pilot eject, but that it was very low to the ground when they ejected." | "They said the plane came in quite steeply and saw a pilot eject, but that it was very low to the ground when they ejected." |
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokeswoman said it received a call about the crash just before 13:30 GMT and it sent an emergency ambulance and an air ambulance. | A Welsh Ambulance Service spokeswoman said it received a call about the crash just before 13:30 GMT and it sent an emergency ambulance and an air ambulance. |
It is believed the aircraft was flying from RAF Valley to RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, where the Red Arrows are based, when it crashed. | It is believed the aircraft was flying from RAF Valley to RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, where the Red Arrows are based, when it crashed. |
The Red Arrows are the RAF's world-famous aerobatic team, performing stunts and daredevil displays in the distinctive Hawk fast-jets. | The Red Arrows are the RAF's world-famous aerobatic team, performing stunts and daredevil displays in the distinctive Hawk fast-jets. |
It is understood the aircrew had been at RAF Valley for routine Hawk simulator training - something that takes place once a month. | It is understood the aircrew had been at RAF Valley for routine Hawk simulator training - something that takes place once a month. |
In total, about 1,500 service personnel, civil servants and contractors work at RAF Valley. | In total, about 1,500 service personnel, civil servants and contractors work at RAF Valley. |
Are you in the area? Did you witness what happened? You can share your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. | Are you in the area? Did you witness what happened? You can share your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. |
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: | Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: |
Or use the form below | Or use the form below |