Five emergency helicopters deployed for Somerset bus crash

UPDATE: Major incident declared as coach returning from school trip crashes

Five emergency helicopters have been deployed for a bus crash in Somerset.

999 crews were called to a road traffic collision involving a bus on the A396 Cutcombe Hill, near Minehead, at around 3.30pm today (Thursday).

Three air ambulances, including Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Devon Air Ambulance – the HM Coastguard and a police helicopter are all on scene.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Emergency services are responding to a collision on the A396 Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe.

“Calls came in at about 3pm reporting a bus had left the road near the junction with Ashwell Lane and Steart Lane.

“Most of the passengers have been taken off the bus. Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are working to free the remaining occupants and South Western Ambulance Service are also on the scene.

“We have no confirmed information on the number of casualties or the level of injuries.

“Emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for responding to such incidents. We’d please ask people to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to access the scene.”

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service added: “Along with other emergency services, we’re attending a road traffic collision involving a coach near Minehead.

“People travelling in the area are advised to avoid the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Dunster and find an alternative route.

“For emergencies, continue to call 999.”