Experts Call For Answers Following Serious Incident On A36

Investigations are underway after nine people were hospitalised, two with serious injuries, following an incident in which a coach came off a viaduct in Bath.

Reports have revealed that the vehicle came off the road on the A36 at Brassknocker Hill this morning (August 15th), with witnesses suggesting that it skidded through a fence before heading down an embankment in heavy weather.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were deployed at the scene and the road was closed as they worked to rescue two people trapped in the wreckage.

The Great Western Ambulance Service has confirmed that two people were taken to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, while the other seven went to the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Police have also appealed for more information and witnesses to come forward in relation to the incident.

Some reports have suggested that members of the heavy metal band Baroness were on the coach travelling to a gig in Southampton when the incident occurred.

Irwin Mitchell specialist injury lawyers have vast experience representing victims left with serious injuries as a result of coach accidents both in the UK and abroad. The firm, which has an office in Bristol, also successfully acted for all the members of US rock band Alien Ant Farm and their road crew following a fatal tour bus crash in Spain.

Clive Garner, a Partner and serious injury specialist at the firm and who represented Alien Ant Farm and their crew, said: “While very little information is so far known about this incident, it is clear that there are a number of questions to be answered in relation to this crash and how the coach came off the viaduct.

“As much information as possible will need to be gathered before a full picture of the cause of the crash can be identified. We have acted for the victims of a huge number of coach accidents in the UK and abroad and have been demanding improvements in safety standards for many years now.

“Many of our previous coach crash cases have highlighted issues including the importance of the selection of safe routes and the need to ensure that coach drivers are trained and supervised to a high standard.

"It will also be important to determine whether any technical or mechanical fault may have played a role in this incident.  The investigation into the cause of the accident is clearly in its preliminary stages and we will be following developments. 

"Meanwhile, our thoughts are with those who have been injured in this terrible incident.”

If you’ve experienced physical or psychological injury due to a road traffic accident involving a bus or coach, you may be able to claim compensation. See our Bus & Coach Accident Claims page for more information.