Multiple casualties are feared after a bus left the road and crashed on the A396 in Somerset, sparking a major emergency response with five helicopters and numerous ground units racing to free trapped passengers.
Emergency services flooded the A396 Cutcombe Hill between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe this afternoon after receiving reports at approximately 3pm that a bus had left the carriageway near the junction with Ashwell Lane and Steart Lane. Fire crews are working urgently to free passengers still trapped inside the vehicle.
Five emergency helicopters have been deployed to the scene near Minehead, including three air ambulances – Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Devon Air Ambulance – alongside an HM Coastguard helicopter and a police helicopter. The massive aerial response underscores the severity of the incident on one of West Somerset’s key rural routes.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that whilst most passengers have been evacuated from the bus, others remain trapped inside. Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are working to free the remaining occupants and South Western Ambulance Service are also on the scene,” a police spokesperson stated.
Major Emergency Response
The scale of the emergency response indicates the seriousness of the situation, with multiple ground ambulances joining the five helicopters at the remote hillside location. The A396 at Cutcombe Hill is a vital but challenging route across Exmoor, known for its steep gradients and winding sections.
We have no confirmed information on the number of casualties or the level of injuries,” the police spokesperson added, emphasising that “emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for responding to such incidents.
The precise number of people on board the bus remains unclear, as does the extent of injuries sustained. The deployment of multiple air ambulances suggests authorities are preparing for potentially serious casualties requiring urgent hospital treatment.
South Western Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance at the scene, stating: “Along with other emergency services, we’re attending a road traffic collision involving a coach near Minehead.
Road Closures and Disruption
The A396 has been completely closed between Wheddon Cross and Dunster, causing significant disruption to this major route connecting West Somerset with North Devon. Police are urging motorists to avoid the area entirely to allow emergency vehicles clear access.
People travelling in the area are advised to avoid the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Dunster and find an alternative route,” the ambulance service warned. Traffic is building in surrounding areas as drivers seek alternative routes through the narrow country lanes of Exmoor.
The closure affects a significant stretch of the A396, which serves as a crucial link for communities across West Somerset and is particularly important for tourism and local businesses in the Exmoor National Park area.
Political Response
Rachel Gilmour, the MP for Tiverton and Minehead, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I have heard news about a distressing road traffic incident around Wheddon Cross this afternoon.
The crash site is in a particularly remote area of Somerset, which may complicate rescue efforts and the transportation of casualties to hospital. The nearest major hospitals are in Taunton and North Devon, both requiring lengthy journeys from the crash location.
Challenging Terrain
The A396 Cutcombe Hill is well-known locally as a challenging section of road with steep gradients and sharp bends. The route climbs dramatically as it crosses Exmoor, reaching heights of over 300 metres above sea level.
Earlier this year, Somerset Council completed vital repairs to this section of the A396, with resurfacing work carried out between May 15 and June 2. Council officials had described it as “an important scheme for a busy, vital route on Exmoor.”
The road regularly carries tourist traffic to and from the popular coastal resort of Minehead and serves as an essential route for local communities scattered across the moorland. Its remote location and challenging topography make it particularly hazardous in poor weather conditions.
Ongoing Rescue Operation
Fire crews are using specialist equipment to access passengers still trapped within the bus, with the operation expected to continue for some time. The involvement of Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service suggests multiple crews are working at the scene.
The deployment of five helicopters indicates authorities are preparing for a complex casualty evacuation operation, potentially airlifting seriously injured passengers to specialist trauma centres. The nearest major trauma centre is at University Hospitals Bristol, approximately 50 miles from the crash site.
Emergency services have not yet confirmed whether the bus was a scheduled service or a private hire vehicle, nor have they released information about where the vehicle was travelling from or its intended destination.
Previous Incidents
The Somerset region has experienced serious bus incidents in the past. In January 2023, a double-decker bus carrying 70 workers to Hinkley Point C nuclear power station overturned on the A39 near Bridgwater in icy conditions, resulting in 54 people being triaged at the scene with 26 walking wounded.
That incident, which also involved a motorcyclist, led to a major incident being declared due to the number of casualties, though fortunately there were no fatalities. Three people sustained significant injuries in that crash, which occurred during treacherous weather conditions.
Further Updates Expected
Avon and Somerset Police have promised further updates via their X account as the situation develops. The force emphasised that this remains an active emergency incident with rescue operations ongoing.
As darkness approaches, the rescue operation faces additional challenges, with emergency services likely to deploy powerful lighting to continue their work safely. The remote location and narrow roads may also complicate the evacuation of casualties and the eventual recovery of the bus.
Local residents and businesses in the Wheddon Cross and Dunster areas are advised to expect continued disruption throughout the evening as emergency services work at the scene and investigations begin into the cause of the crash.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available from emergency services.
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