**Passengers Rescued After Bus Leaves Road in Somerset: Emergency Services Respond**
A serious incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon after a coach veered off the roadway in Somerset, resulting in several passengers becoming trapped and prompting a swift response from emergency services. The unfolding drama centred on the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe, with rescue efforts ongoing as authorities worked to free those unable to exit the vehicle.
Emergency responders were alerted just after 3pm on 17th July, following reports that a bus had left the carriageway near the junction with Ashwell Lane and Steart Lane. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that multiple agencies scrambled to the location after the vehicle left the road under circumstances still to be determined.
Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service were at the heart of ongoing extraction operations, methodically working to free any remaining passengers from the wreckage. While many had managed to escape or be assisted from the coach, others required specialist support from the fire crews due to their precarious position within the vehicle.
The South Western Ambulance Service, also present at the scene, was providing medical assessment and assistance to all involved. Details regarding the number of people injured or the extent of their injuries remain scarce, with authorities yet to confirm casualty figures as rescue efforts continued into the evening.
In a statement, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson emphasised the need for patience and cooperation from the public. “Emergency services are responding to a collision on the A396 Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe,” the spokesperson said. “Most of the passengers have been taken off the bus, and Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are working to free the remaining occupants. There is currently no information available on the number of casualties or the level of injuries.”
Authorities have been keen to stress that such emergency situations are handled according to longstanding protocols, with seamless coordination across all agencies involved. “Emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for responding to such incidents,” read a police update, urging motorists and residents alike to “avoid the area to allow emergency responders to access the scene.”
The A396, a key thoroughfare in the region, has been closed between Wheddon Cross and Dunster, causing travel disruption and necessitating diversions for other road users. Motorists have been advised to seek alternative routes while the rescue operation is underway and a full investigation is launched.
A spokesperson from South Western Ambulance Service also spoke about the collaborative effort to manage the incident. “Along with other emergency services, we’re attending a road traffic collision involving a coach near Minehead,” they confirmed. Medics on site are understood to be providing support not only to the passengers but also to the emergency personnel tasked with the challenging rescue.
As evening approached, the precise cause of the coach leaving the roadway remained unclear. Investigators are expected to conduct a thorough examination of the scene once all individuals have been accounted for and assisted, which may shed light on whether mechanical failure, driver error, or external factors contributed to the incident.
For now, the focus remains firmly on the welfare of those involved. The A396 closure looks set to remain in place for some time, presenting significant delays for travellers but facilitating crucial access and safety for the ongoing multi-agency operation.
Authorities have urged anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to come forward to assist with their inquiries, as the community and the emergency services rally together during this testing event. More updates are anticipated as the situation develops and as the full picture becomes clearer.