A mine fire sparked a nine-hour search operation in Wiltshire – after a group of people were seen entering shortly before the flames.
Emergency services raced to reports of smoke billowing from the tunnels at a disused quarry in Elm Cross Yard, Bradford on Avon, at 7pm on Wednesday (24 September).
After establishing that four people were seen to enter the mine – know locally as the former mushroom farm – at around 5.30pm, there were fears they may still be inside and in danger.
As smoke filled the underground cave system – 999 crews were left concerned that if anyone was inside, they could be critically unwell from the effects of inhalation.
Six fire crews from Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Melksham, Corsham and Westbury were sent to the scene. Nearby Frome Road was blocked as a result, and subsequently closed.
Police, local ambulance crews and a Bristol-based South Western Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) also attended.
A total of six firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, conducted a search and rescue operation alongside the HM Inspectorate of Mines and Mansfield Mine Rescue.
The fire was put out using one hose reel jet, and gas monitors and thermal imagine cameras were utilised inside – with searches ongoing until shortly after 4am today (Thursday).
Nobody was located and the whereabouts of those spotted going into the mine remains unknown. Wiltshire Police say they are working to track them down.
The incident has prompted a warning about the dangers of entering underground sites without proper safety measures or permission.
The force says disused mines can pose a significant risk to life due to unstable structures, poor air quality and other hidden dangers.
Chief Inspector Ben Huggins urged explorers to avoid mines over serious safety concerns.
In a statement, he said: “Last night, we assisted our fire service colleagues in dealing with a serious incident in a mine off Frome Road in Bradford on Avon.
“Four people were seen entering the mine at 5.30pm and two hours later smoke was reported to be coming out of it.
“The four individuals were unaccounted for and a significant amount of resources were deployed as there were concerns for their safety.
“A national, specialist mines rescue team attended and carried out a full search of the underground area which had filled with smoke.
“If any of the individuals had not already left the mine at this point, it was highly unlikely that they would have survived.”
Chief Inspector Huggins continued: “Thankfully, the team concluded that the mine was empty and were able to leave safely. No injuries have been reported.
“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage people to think about the dangers of trespassing underground.
“Whilst this may seem an interesting place to explore, the reality is underground locations contain a number of hazards, dangers and difficulties presenting a potential risk to individual safety.
“Enquiries are ongoing to identify the four people involved in the incident.”
