Somerset horror: 'Major incident' declared after double-decker bus OVERTURNS - 'significant' number of police at scene

Somerset horror: 'Major incident' declared after double-decker bus OVERTURNS - 'significant' number of police at scene
Somerset bus crash digital use
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 17/01/2023

- 09:12

Updated: 17/01/2023

- 12:59

Major incident declared with more than 50 people triaged at the scene as a double decker bus overturns in Somerset

A major incident has been declared after a double-decker bus overturned on the A39 in Somerset.

It has been confirmed that nobody has died following the incident which saw a "significant number" of police, fire and ambulance units sent to the scene.


A total of 70 people were onboard and 54 patients were treated at the scene. The incident also involved a motorcyclist.

The bus was taking workers to Hinkley Point C nuclear power station at the time of the incident, a spokesperson has confirmed.

Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were called at around 6am today to the A39 Quantock Road following a road-related incident involving a double-decker bus and a motorcyclist.

"Closure are in place at the junction of Sandford Hill and Quantock Road.

Emergency services remain at the scene after a double decker bus overturned
Emergency services remain at the scene after a double decker bus overturned
GB News

"A significant number of police, fire and ambulance units are on the scene and a major incident has been declared."

It comes after Avon and Somerset Police warned motorists to only drive if "absolutely essential" following freezing conditions overnight.

In a statement on Twitter, the force added: “Please only travel if it is absolutely essential!

“The conditions are extremely icy and dangerous due to the freezing conditions overnight and residual water on the road from the past week’s wet weather.”

Somerset and Avon Police have urged motorists to only travel if 'absolutely essential
Somerset and Avon Police have urged motorists to only travel if 'absolutely essential
GB News

Officers say 53 crashes were reported on Monday evening while a further 67 calls were received for other road-related incidents, taking the total number of reports to more than 100 in five hours.

The majority of the incidents were a result of the freezing weather causing dangerous driving conditions.

A Met Office yellow warning for ice is in place across southern England, as temperatures reached a low of -2C in Somerset last night.

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