Two individuals sustained injuries in a road accident on the A37 near Bolter’s Lane, Downside, shortly before the Shepton Mallet Carnival kicked off on Wednesday, November 12. The crash, involving two vehicles, occurred at approximately 6:40 pm.
Emergency services, including Avon and Somerset Police and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, responded promptly. Two double-crewed ambulances were dispatched to the scene, with one injured party transported to the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Authorities confirmed that the injuries were serious but not life-changing or life-threatening.
The collision led to the closure of the A37 for close to four hours, only reopening around 10:20 pm—about 50 minutes after the carnival had begun. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police reiterated the timeline and the condition of those injured, confirming the safe reopening of the road.