Multi-agency investigation underway after bus carrying 70 people overturns in Bridgwater
70 construction workers on the nuclear power plant Hinkley Point C were on board at the time - with the major incident declared now stood down
Last updated 17th Jan 2023
A double decker bus, carrying 70 workers to the Hinkley Point C site, tipped over in the early hours of this morning (17/01).
Police say a "major incident" which was declared because of the number of people involved, and the scale of the response needed, has since been stood down.
The first call to police was made around 06.00 am, with emergency services, including ambulance, fire and police being on the scene since.
No fatalities have been confirmed at this time.
Avon and Somerset Police Supt Paul Wiggington said: "A total of 54 patients were triaged at the scene. It is too soon to confirm if any of these patients have life-threatening injuries, however 26 people are being treated as walking wounded."
In a statement, Police say it may take some time to recover the bus and clear debris from the road.
It means drivers wanting to use the A39 Quantok Road will have to use an alternative route in the meantime.
Aa Hinkley Point C spokesperson said: "A double-decker bus taking workers to Hinkley Point C was involved in a road traffic incident on the A39 in Bridgwater this morning. The bus was carrying 70 workers and a driver.
“We are grateful to the emergency services for their quick response. Police are still on the scene and leading the investigation. They are recovering the damaged vehicle with a view to opening the road later this afternoon.
“We are supporting those affected and our thoughts are with all involved.
“Safety of our workforce is of paramount importance to us, and we will assist the police as they investigate the cause of the incident."
The rescue mission
South Western Ambulance Service (SWAFST) say they deployed 23 double-crewed ambulances, two critical care teams and two hazardous response teams to the scene of the incident.
All patients have since been taken from the scene, to three healthcare facilities; Musgrove Park and Southmead Hospitals, and Bridgwater Minor Injuries Unit.
As well as ambulances, a total of five fire fire engines were sent to the scene, including a heavy rescue vehicle.
We're told that three casualties were cut from the bus, with hydraulic equipment and small tools used.
More icy weather is forecast, with a yellow weather warning for ice and snow coming into effect tonight (17/01) in Somerset, which will last until 10 am on Wednesday (18/01).
The County Council will be monitoring the weather conditions, and say they're working to ensure gritting is carried out.
Just 21% of Somerset's roads get gritted - although all major routes are gritted.
The authority says "Ice can still form on gritted roads which is why we echo the advice of our Avon and Somerset Police colleagues to only travel when it is necessary and to proceed with extreme caution if you are using our roads.
"It’s important to remember the majority of roads aren’t gritted and never have been"
The advice remains to only travel if absolutely necessary, and making sure you check your tyre pressure and tread, oil, fuel and wiper fluid levels before you set off.
Calls for accountability
Some local residents are calling for 'accountability' following the incident.
Charis Ware, 45, a cleaning business owner who lives in Sandford Hill, lives nearby and heard the incident.
She said: "I was woken up by a loud bang - and then I heard shouts, screams, honks - and assumed there was a serious accident on the road.
"It took me a while to come around - but within minutes emergency services came flooding up the road. Considering the strikes and NHS services under pressure, the level of response was impressive.
"Living right next to the A39, traffic is quite severe day and night - this is one of the biggest I've seen in a long time.
"This road is treacherous, especially after heavy rainfall. I've only been a resident here for four years, and I know complaints are put in most winters. All that's seemingly done is signs are put up saying 'it's icy'. That's simply not enough."
In a statement, Somerset County Council said: "Our winter service team closely monitors the forecast in advance and all roads on Somerset’s precautionary gritting network are treated when temperatures are forecast to fall below zero. This is 21 per cent of the County’s roads and includes all major routes.
"All main routes were gritted yesterday afternoon before temperatures dropped and there was a further gritting operation across the county the following morning.
"The recent wet weather and standing flood water on roads poses an additional hazard to drivers and significant challenges to our teams.
"It’s important to remember the majority of roads aren’t gritted and never have been. Ice can still form on gritted roads which is why we echo the advice of our Avon and Somerset Police colleagues to only travel when it is necessary and to proceed with extreme caution if you are using our roads."