Medeshi
(Press Association)-Two aircrew are missing after two Tornado jets crashed off the north coast of Scotland, the Ministry of Defence has said.
Four personnel from RAF Lossiemouth were involved in the incident in the Moray Firth. A rescue helicopter picked up two people who were taken to hospital in Inverness, where their condition has not been confirmed.
Group Captain Ian Gale, the station commander, said his thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved.
"It is with great regret that I must confirm the loss of two Tornado GR4 aircraft, from this station, in an incident in the Moray Firth today," he said in a statement released by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
"The circumstances remain uncertain but clearly this is a very serious incident. This incident involved four aircrew, all personnel from this station, and the thoughts of everyone here are with the families and friend of those involved."
He would not comment on the aircrews' condition or the circumstances of the incident.
"I can confirm that two individuals have been recovered and two remain unaccounted for," he added.
"Rescue operations are continuing and I would like to record my gratitude for the ongoing efforts of all those involved.
"I am confident that the Tornado aircraft on this station are operated as safely as they possibly can be - however, today's incident is a stark reminder that the military operations and training we conduct are not without risk.
"What happened today is under investigation and more details will be released by the Royal Air Force in due course. Until then, I would ask the media to respect that this is a difficult time for the family, friends and colleagues of those involved and for the whole of the RAF Lossiemouth community."
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