Small aircraft crashes near Bath
Police say the incident happened at about 2.10pm this afternoon (23 August)
Last updated 23rd Aug 2023
A small aircraft has taken down power cables before crashing near Bath Rugby's training ground in Somerset.
Avon and Somerset Police say they were called to the incident at around 14:10 today following the incident - closing a number of roads in the area.
In a statement on social media, they urged drivers to avoid the area.
A spokesperson from Avon and Somerset Police told us: "Emergency services are at the scene of a road closure after a power cable came down onto the A366 Farleigh Road near its junction with the A36.
"It happened at about 2.10pm today, Wednesday 23 August, after a light aircraft collided with a pylon in a field. The pilot and sole occupant of the plane is not believed to have suffered any significant injury. The Air Accident Investigation Board has been notified.
"A small number of properties are currently without power.
"The A36 is closed between the Beckington roundabout and the junction with the A366, while the A366 Farleigh Road is closed between Bath Road, Norton St Phillip, and its junction with the A36.
"Motorists are urged to avoid the area as the road may be closed for at least 12 hours."
Highways England have also released a statement, warning drivers to allow for extra time in the area.
Their statement added: "Drivers in Somerset and Wiltshire are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys following the closure of the A36 near Beckington this afternoon.
"The A36 has been fully closed between the A361 (Beckington) and A366 (Farleigh Hungerford) junctions after a light aircraft collided with power lines.
"Avon and Somerset Police are leading the incident, the fire service are also attending, and the road is expected to be closed through the afternoon and evening peak.
"Clearly signed diversion routes are in place and in the meantime, National Highways is advising drivers to plan their journeys and find alternate routes while the closure remains."
A spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said: “The AAIB are investigating an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred near Norton St Philip near Bath this afternoon.”