RAF engineer killed in Red Arrows jet fireball
AN RAF engineer has died after a Red Arrows Hawk jet crashed at RAF Valley in north Wales.
Eyewitnesses described seeing a “big fireball” after the pilot ejected and the plane struck the ground.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed a Hawk aircraft was involved in the accident at the Anglesey base, where pilots and aircrew are trained.
Two people were on the jet, with onlookers reporting they saw someone eject from the aircraft before it hit the ground.
RAF group captain Nick Tucker-Lowe said in a statement: “It’s with great sadness that the RAF can confirm the death of an engineer from the RAF aerobatics team The Red Arrows in a tragic accident.
“The engineer’s family have been informed and have asked for a 24-hour period of grace before further details are released.
“The pilot of the aircraft survived the incident and is currently receiving medical care.”
Sian Rebecca Williams, an 18-year-old student from Rhosneigr, north Wales, said she was waiting at Rhosneigr train station when the jet flew overhead.
“The Red Arrow came over and because I’d hardly seen one before I thought ‘Wow, it’s out’,” she said.
“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.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said it was investigating and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.