Emergency services responded to a devastating single-vehicle collision on the A303 in Somerset on Saturday afternoon, which resulted in one man losing his life and leaving another person fighting for their life in hospital.
Emergency Response to the A303 Incident
Avon and Somerset Police were called to the major road between Sparkford and Wincanton at 2.15pm on Saturday, November 22nd. The force confirmed that a man in his 50s was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. In a statement, police expressed that their thoughts are with the man's loved ones and that they are being supported by a specially-trained family liaison officer.
The collision involved three other people who required hospital treatment. The most critically injured of the three is believed to be in a life-threatening condition. Another individual remains in hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening or life-changing. The third person has since been discharged from hospital to continue their recovery at home.
Major Road Closure and Witness Appeal
The serious incident led to the A303 being closed in both directions for a significant period while police, fire, and ambulance crews worked at the scene. The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service detailed their response, stating that three fire engines were initially dispatched to the report of a single vehicle that had left the road and landed in a ditch.
On arrival, crews confirmed that four people were trapped inside the vehicle. A further fire engine and a heavy rescue unit were mobilised to assist with the complex operation to release the casualties. The fire service worked alongside ambulance crews to free the individuals before handing the incident over to the police.
Avon and Somerset Police have now launched a public appeal for information. They are urging anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has any dashcam footage from the area between 2pm and 2.15pm on Saturday, to come forward. Witnesses are asked to call 101 and quote the reference number 5225328170.
