TWO people have died in a crash which closed a main West Somerset A road on Wednesday (September 30).

Police have appealed for any witnesses to the incident, which happened the A358 shortly after 6.30 am at Trebles Holford, near West Bagborough.

A white Mazda Bongo van was involved in a collision with a Volvo lorry with the driver and passenger in the van dying at the scene.

Police said the families of the victims had been updated and were being offered support by a specialist officer.

The A358 remains closed from the Bishops Lydeard junction at Station Road to Coggins Lane, Combe Florey, while inquiries continued.

There was a large emergency services response to the crash, including an air ambulance, with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) also sending three double-crewed land ambulances, two operations officers, and a hazardous area response team to the scene.

A SWASFT spokesperson told the Free Press: “We conveyed one patient by land ambulance to Musgrove Park Hospital.”

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue sent two fire engines and a specialist rescue vehicle to assist with the operation.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson told the Free Press: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services personnel, the two occupants of the Mazda died at the scene.

“Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police and those with information surrounding the incident are asked to contact us and quote the reference 5226279615, or complete our online appeals form.”

Traffic diversions were put in place, but many minor roads in the area quickly became choked with vehicles.

While the road remained closed the West Somerset Railway said it would offer free travel on its trains between Bishops Lydeard and Watchet for local people, who should show proof of address when arriving at the stations.