BREAKING NEWS: BBC Breakfast halts for tragic de@th announcement
Two British nationals were among those k!lled.
BBC Breakfast was paused for a tragic announcement (Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt made a tragic de@th announcement on Thursday’s (September 17) instalment of the programme. He announced that two British Nationals have died in a plane crash, along with one other person, in Switzerland. “Two British nationals are among three people who were k!lled in a plane crash in the Swiss Alps. The light aircraft hit the side of a mountain on Tuesday, about 10 minutes after taking off from the town of Sion, which is around 60 miles east of Geneva.
“It is unclear what caused the crash,” he added. The single-engine plane was continuing its journey towards Buochs, a scenic village in Switzerland, when it collided with a north-facing slope in the Fluhalp area at around 4pm.
Witnesses reported seeing large plumes of smoke in the area before emergency services were called to the scene. It was later confirmed that the three occupants had died.
Three rescue helicopters were deployed to the crash site, while police and fire crews from Leukerbad and Sion Airport also attended. Work is ongoing to formally identify the victims.
The Swiss Safety Investigation Authority (SUST) has now launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Moments later, Charlie made another heartbreaking announcement on the programme, revealing that a British soldier who died in a road traffic accident in Ukraine on Saturday has been named as Major Paul Wilks.
The 40-year-old served in the Intelligence Corps and was married and had two sons.
Major Paul Wilks was k!lled in a road traffic accident in Ukraine (Image: Ministry of Defence)
“The accident happened away from the front line and was not the result of hostile action,” the presenter added.
His Commanding Officer said: “It is with profound sadness that we honour the memory of Major Paul Wilks.
“Even in high-pressure environments, Paul maintained a sharp sense of humour and a genuine warmth that connected him to everyone in this unit. He was a man of great intellect, yet he remained a mate to those he served with.
“He spoke often of his love for his wife and two sons, expressing his deep gratitude for the support they provided, which allowed him to serve with such distinction. It is because of that foundation that he was able to meet the challenges of his role, and it is in the course of his devotion to duty that he made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Major Wilks represented the finest traditions of UK Defence. It was a privilege to serve alongside him. We will miss him.”
