‘Major incident’ as 70 Hinkley workers involved in bus crash

A major incident was declared in Somerset this morning (17 January) after a double decker bus carrying 70 workers for the Hinkley Point C nuclear project overturned in icy conditions.

The collision occurred on the A39 Quantock Road at 6am and resulted in 54 people being treated for injuries, with a small number requiring surgery.

The incident saw a total of 23 double-crewed land ambulances, two critical care teams, and two hazardous area response teams mobilised, as well as several fire engines.

No fatalities have been reported. Police remain on the scene and are in the process of recovering the damaged vehicle.

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.

“A number of those treated at the scene have been taken to Musgrove Park Hospital, Bridgwater Minor Injury Unit and Southmead Hospital.

“It may take us some time to recover the bus and to clear debris from the road.”

Ceri Smart, strategic commander at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “All patients have now been conveyed from the scene and the major incident has been stood down.

“I would like to thank our team and partner agencies for their swift response to this incident and for delivering the best possible care to the casualties involved.”

A Hinkley Point C spokesperson said: “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.”