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Red Arrows aircraft crashes at RAF Valley on Anglesey | Red Arrows aircraft crashes at RAF Valley on Anglesey |
(35 minutes later) | |
An aircraft used by the Red Arrows display team has crashed at RAF Valley on Anglesey. | An aircraft used by the Red Arrows display team has crashed at RAF Valley on Anglesey. |
The Ministry of Defence confirmed it was a Hawk aircraft and said an air ambulance was sent to the scene at about 13:30 GMT on Tuesday. | The Ministry of Defence confirmed it was a Hawk aircraft and said an air ambulance was sent to the scene at about 13:30 GMT on Tuesday. |
It is understood two people were on board the aircraft and eyewitnesses said they saw one figure eject from the jet. Their condition is unknown. | |
RAF Valley is a base used to train UK fighter pilots and aircrew. | RAF Valley is a base used to train UK fighter pilots and aircrew. |
Howard Rigby was playing golf near RAF Valley when he heard a loud explosion. | |
He said: "I turned immediately to the airport, I could see a ball of flame and a multi-coloured parachute. | He 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." | "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 train 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'. | |
"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. | |
"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. | |
Anne Wilson, 52, who works at nearby The Anglesey Golf Club, saw the aftermath of the crash. | |
She said: "I did not see the crash but 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. | |
"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." | |
An RAF spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident today at RAF Valley involving a Hawk aircraft. | An RAF spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident today at RAF Valley involving a Hawk aircraft. |
"We are investigating the incident and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage." | "We are investigating the incident and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage." |
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. |
In total, about 1,500 service personnel, civil servants and contractors work at RAF Valley. Aircrews regularly visit the base to carry out simulation training. | In total, about 1,500 service personnel, civil servants and contractors work at RAF Valley. Aircrews regularly visit the base to carry out simulation training. |
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 |