March 20, 2018 6.30 pm This story is over 71 months old

Engineer dies in Red Arrows jet crash in Wales

Pilot survived the crash.

An engineer has died in the crash of the Red Arrows Hawk jet at RAF Valley in Wales this afternoon.

The pilot, understood to be Red 3, managed to eject from the aircraft and survived the crash. He is receiving medical treatment.

The family of the engineer killed in the crash have been informed and the MoD said they asked for a period of grace before more details are released.

The incident happened at around 1.30pm and emergency services attended the incident.

The Red Arrows are based at RAF Scampton near Lincoln and were on a training mission in Wales.

Emergency services attended the scene shortly after the crash at 1.30pm. Photo: David Robert Jones

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of the RAF engineer at this incredibly sad time.”

The MoD statement said: “It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of an engineer from the RAF Aerobatics Team (the Red Arrows) in a tragic accident today.

“The serviceman’s family have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

“The pilot of the aircraft survived the incident and is currently receiving medical care.”

Several eyewitnesses said they saw the plane banking shortly after take off and then burst into flames, with one person ejecting.

Air accident investigators are examining the wreckage to find the cause of the accident.