A fatal crash on the A303 in Somerset claimed the life of a man in his 50s yesterday afternoon, with emergency services responding swiftly to the scene. The single-vehicle accident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, between Sparkford and Wincanton.
The vehicle veered off the road near Compton Pauncefoot, crashing into a ditch and trapping four individuals inside. Despite the rapid response from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue crews, who dispatched multiple engines and a heavy rescue unit, one man was pronounced dead at the scene. His family is now being supported by specially trained officers.
Three other passengers were transported to hospital for treatment. Among them, one remains in life-threatening condition, another has non-life-threatening or non-life-changing injuries, and the third has since been discharged to recover at home.
READ MORE: ‘I’m Too Old for Gardening, So I Had a Garden Painted on My Wall Instead’
READ MORE: Riley Meredith to Return for Third Consecutive Season with Somerset
The A303 was closed in both directions to facilitate emergency operations, with National Highways providing diversion routes to assist drivers. The air ambulance was also deployed to the scene to aid in casualty evacuation.
Avon and Somerset Police have launched an appeal for witnesses. Anyone who was in the vicinity around 2-2:15 p.m. or who may have dashcam footage is urged to contact the police, quoting reference 5225328170.
This tragic incident highlights the continuing risks on major roadways and underscores the importance of driver vigilance. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.