News / International
UK, 26-Vehicle Motorway Pile-Up
04 Nov 2011 at 21:26hrs | Views
Britain - Several people are feared dead and as many as 30 injured in a collision involving 26 vehicles in England, United kingdom.
According to BBC up to 40 people have been injured, seven of them seriously.
Some 20 light vehicles and six articulated lorries were involved in the smash on the motorway close to junction 25 near Taunton at around 8.30pm.
At least four people who were trapped have been cut free by firefighters.
Video footage from the scene shows several vehicles engulfed in flames and debris strewn across the road. A number of burning lorries are on their side.
Firefighters can be seen trying to pry open car doors to reach those trapped inside.
SkyNews reports that one eyewitness reported a number of explosions and black smoke.
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service described it as "the worst road traffic collision anyone can remember... so many vehicles involved".
Conditions on the road have been described as "difficult" at the time of the smash.
Police and 15 fire crews were battling the fires and working to free people from the wreckage on the northbound carriageway.
At least four vehicles were reported to be on fire, including two lorries.
The motorway has been closed in both directions from junctions 23 to 26 and police say it is likely to remain closed for 24 hours.
Chief Inspector Paul Mogg said earlier: "All emergency services are on the scene doing as much as they can to continue the rescue operation and to treat those who are injured.
"There are large tailbacks at present and we would urge all to avoid the area for the next 24 hours at least."
Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call the collision unit on 101.
According to BBC up to 40 people have been injured, seven of them seriously.
Some 20 light vehicles and six articulated lorries were involved in the smash on the motorway close to junction 25 near Taunton at around 8.30pm.
At least four people who were trapped have been cut free by firefighters.
Video footage from the scene shows several vehicles engulfed in flames and debris strewn across the road. A number of burning lorries are on their side.
Firefighters can be seen trying to pry open car doors to reach those trapped inside.
SkyNews reports that one eyewitness reported a number of explosions and black smoke.
Conditions on the road have been described as "difficult" at the time of the smash.
Police and 15 fire crews were battling the fires and working to free people from the wreckage on the northbound carriageway.
At least four vehicles were reported to be on fire, including two lorries.
The motorway has been closed in both directions from junctions 23 to 26 and police say it is likely to remain closed for 24 hours.
Chief Inspector Paul Mogg said earlier: "All emergency services are on the scene doing as much as they can to continue the rescue operation and to treat those who are injured.
"There are large tailbacks at present and we would urge all to avoid the area for the next 24 hours at least."
Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call the collision unit on 101.
Source - SkyNews
