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.
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:
"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." – PM
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.”
Very sorry to hear about the Red Arrows accident yesterday. If we needed reminding, it demonstrates the personal risks members of the Forces take every day to protect us.
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We are investigating a road traffic collision which happened just after 5pm today.
The crash happened on the A15 just south of Waddington and involved a black Peugeot 208 that collided with a tree. The driver of the car, a 56-year-old male, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The A15 was closed just before 6pm and is likely to remain closed for some time.
We are particularly keen to hear from those who were driving along the A15 this afternoon between 4pm and 5:10pm and may have captured dashcam footage of the road during the collision.
If you have dashcam footage or any other information that will assist in our enquiries, there are a number of ways you can get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 285 of 4 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 285 of 4 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a serious collision in Ingoldmells.
Just after 12.30pm on Saturday (2 July), we received reports of a collision involving a silver Vauxhall Vivaro and a 76-year-old male pedestrian on Hurdman Way.
The male pedestrian was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The A52 at Ingoldmells was closed to allow emergency services to deal with the incident.
If you witnessed the collision or have dashcam footage available, please get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 209 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 209 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
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