Shared sadness across Lincolnshire after death of Red Arrows engineer

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

People across Lincolnshire are sending their support to the Scampton-based Royal Air Force Red Arrows team following a fatal crash of one of the Hawk jets at an RAF base in Wales yesterday.

As reported previously, the Red Arrows jet crashed at RAF Valley in Anglesey at around 1.30pm on Tuesday, March 20.

Two personnel were on board. One of whom was a Red Arrows engineer who was killed.

The pilot, understood to be Red 3 David Stark, 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 24-hour period of grace before more details are released.

An joint investigation is ongoing into the fatal incident between partners North Wales Police and the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB).

The wreckage lay covered in what looked like red tarpaulin was surrounded by firefighters that afternoon. Photo: David Robert Jones

The name of the engineer who died has not yet been released.

Tributes were paid up and down the country after news of the collision broke yesterday afternoon.

Prime Minister Theresa May posted her thoughts for the family and the pilot on Twitter:

Bishop of Lincoln Right Reverend Christopher Lowson said: “My prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of the engineer, the pilot, and all who are part of the wider RAF family after the crash at RAF Valley in Wales.

“The Red Arrows are a familiar sight in our skies and very much part of life in the county as they live in Lincolnshire and fly overhead. We are proud of them and there is a sense of ownership of the Red Arrows. Today there is shared sadness.”

Photo: David Robert Jones

Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier said in a statement:

“This tragic accident is a reminder that we must never take for granted the risks our people take in the service to our country.

“My deepest thoughts are with the friend and family of those involved at this terrible time.”

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.”