The operator of the bus service, Somerset Passenger Solutions, has announced an investigation into the “fundamental cause of the disaster.” A motorcyclist was involved as well.
A double-decker bus overturned in Somerset, causing dozens of injuries and sending “a number” of passengers to the hospital.
On Tuesday morning, a major incident was declared and a “substantial number” of police, fire. And ambulance teams were dispatched to the area near Bridgwater; however, this has now been canceled.
Inspector Rebecca Wells-Cole provided an update on the situation, stating that 54 people were triaged by paramedics and 26 were treated as “walking wounded.”
She said that a “number” of people were transported to the hospital. But it was too soon to determine whether any of their injuries were life-threatening.
There have been no fatalities documented.
At the time of the event, the bus was transporting workers to Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. A motorbike was also involved.
In addition to the bus driver, a total of 70 staff people were on board when it toppled, according to Insp. Wells-Cole.
“It could take some time to rescue the bus and clear the road of debris,” she said.
Due to the slippery road conditions produced by the freezing temperatures overnight and the additional water on the roadways. I would like to take this opportunity to warn citizens to only travel if necessary.
The company that operates the bus service, Somerset Passenger Solutions, has stated that an investigation into the “root cause of the accident” is currently underway and that it is cooperating fully with emergency personnel.
“We are assisting our workers and passengers affected by the situation,” the airline said in a statement.
Avon and Somerset Police reported that officers were dispatched to the A39 Quantock Road at approximately 6 a.m. in response to a “road-related incident involving a double-decker bus and a biker.”
The intersection between Sandford Hill and Quantock Road is closed, according to a statement.
Earlier, police warned of “very icy” conditions.
The A39 is a prominent roadway surrounding the Quantocks, connecting the M5 with towns such as Minehead and Exmoor. And is also an important route for nuclear power station employees.
Hinkley Point C has announced that travel to and from the plant has been suspended.
Confirming that paramedics were addressing the issue, Southwestern Ambulance Service recommended motorists seek alternate routes and “exercise caution” while traveling on slippery roadways.
Avon and Somerset Police had earlier issued a warning about the “very slippery and dangerous” conditions after receiving more than one hundred reports of road-related incidents in less than five hours.
On Monday, between 6:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m., 53 collisions were reported to the police, seven of which resulted in injuries.
