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Military vehicle in crash drama
BOMB squads have been called to the scene of a fatal crash south of Warminster.
The MOD has confirmed that a military vehicle carrying ammunition has been involved in a collision that has left one motorist dead and another trapped on the A303.
The incident took place at 4.15 this afternoon between Willoughby Hedge and the Wiltshire boundary in the Wylye Valley.
Emergency crews from Warminster are currently at the scene attending to another person who is trapped in a vehicle suffering with life threatening injuries.
The A303 between Chicklade and the A350 junction has been closed off until midnight. Diversions are in place.
7:02pm Wednesday 26th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: walter, wilshur on 5:31am Thu 27 Mar 08
The term "bomb-squad" exists only in cheap comics! In the Army it is "EOD", or "Explosive Ordnance Disposal" units. They take care of terrorist devices, and Army munitions and explosives. Because the Royal Army Ordnance Corps became part of the larger Royal Logistic Corps, it is the odd situtation that the latter carry out EOD. Disposal of enemy (and hence German WWII) bombs etc is the job of the Royal Engineers.
The term "bomb-squad" exists only in cheap comics! In the Army it is "EOD", or "Explosive Ordnance Disposal" units. They take care of terrorist devices, and Army munitions and explosives. Because the Royal Army Ordnance Corps became part of the larger Royal Logistic Corps, it is the odd situtation that the latter carry out EOD. Disposal of enemy (and hence German WWII) bombs etc is the job of the Royal Engineers.
Posted by: stuart, westbury on 7:56am Thu 27 Mar 08
OK anorak
Posted by: Wiltshire Resident, Wiltshire on 8:53am Thu 27 Mar 08
Who cares whether it's Bomb Squad, EOD or whatever ? One person is dead and another critically ill. I bet their families aren't really bothered what the unit is called.
Who cares whether it's Bomb Squad, EOD or whatever ? One person is dead and another critically ill. I bet their families aren't really bothered what the unit is called.
Posted by: The Dazman, Wiltshire on 8:59am Thu 27 Mar 08
It was just outside of Mere not the Wyle Valley. Deepest sympathies to the families involved, a terrible tragedy.
More lives lost on a notorious stretch of road. It's time to dual carriageway the WHOLE of the A303.
It was just outside of Mere not the Wyle Valley. Deepest sympathies to the families involved, a terrible tragedy.
More lives lost on a notorious stretch of road. It's time to dual carriageway the WHOLE of the A303.
Posted by: westburygirl, westbury on 5:23pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Wiltshire Resident[/bold] wrote:
Who cares whether it's Bomb Squad, EOD or whatever ? One person is dead and another critically ill. I bet their families aren't really bothered what the unit is called. [/quote] have to agree with wiltshire resident as well....... someone had lost thier life and another is ill...thought go to the families concerned
Wiltshire Resident wrote:
Who cares whether it's Bomb Squad, EOD or whatever ? One person is dead and another critically ill. I bet their families aren't really bothered what the unit is called.
have to agree with wiltshire resident as well....... someone had lost thier life and another is ill...thought go to the families concerned
Posted by: mallochy, wiltshire on 8:08pm Thu 27 Mar 08
I can promise everyone that the accident had absolutely nothing to do with whether the road was or was not dual carriage
My constant thoughts are with the family.
I can promise everyone that the accident had absolutely nothing to do with whether the road was or was not dual carriage
My constant thoughts are with the family.
Posted by: moonrakin_wurzel, Trowbridge on 12:35am Fri 28 Mar 08
s'weird .... other reports say this wasn't a military vehicle but a vehicle belonging to a civilian transport contractor - splitting hairs possibly - but really you'd expect the WT to get what's on their doorstep right.......
s'weird .... other reports say this wasn't a military vehicle but a vehicle belonging to a civilian transport contractor - splitting hairs possibly - but really you'd expect the WT to get what's on their doorstep right.......
Posted by: The Dazman, Wiltshire on 8:22am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]mallochy[/bold] wrote:
I can promise everyone that the accident had absolutely nothing to do with whether the road was or was not dual carriage My constant thoughts are with the family.[/quote] My point is that you dont get head on collisions on a dual carriageway. They are safer to drive on.
mallochy wrote:
I can promise everyone that the accident had absolutely nothing to do with whether the road was or was not dual carriage My constant thoughts are with the family.
My point is that you dont get head on collisions on a dual carriageway. They are safer to drive on.
Posted by: mallochy, wiltshire on 9:40am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]The Dazman[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]mallochy[/bold] wrote:
I can promise everyone that the accident had absolutely nothing to do with whether the road was or was not dual carriage My constant thoughts are with the family.[/quote] My point is that you dont get head on collisions on a dual carriageway. They are safer to drive on.[/quote] in the case of this accident people would have died / been badly injured, dual or not.
The Dazman wrote:
mallochy wrote:
I can promise everyone that the accident had absolutely nothing to do with whether the road was or was not dual carriage My constant thoughts are with the family.
My point is that you dont get head on collisions on a dual carriageway. They are safer to drive on.
in the case of this accident people would have died / been badly injured, dual or not.
Posted by: mereman, Wiltshire on 12:48pm Fri 28 Mar 08
The man who died in this accident was a close friend and we have been unable to establish exactly what happened - do you have any information about the circumstances of the collision? Thankyou
The man who died in this accident was a close friend and we have been unable to establish exactly what happened - do you have any information about the circumstances of the collision? Thankyou
Posted by: The Dazman, Wiltshire on 1:02pm Fri 28 Mar 08
mereman I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend, it's a terrible time and I dont know how you get over something like that. I dont know anything specific but I'm sure the police will work it out. I heard from a pal in the recovery trade that the two vehicles that hit each other were going in opposite directions hence my comment about dual carriageways. You cant hit an oncoming car on a dual carriageway. Best wishes - Daz
mereman I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend, it's a terrible time and I dont know how you get over something like that. I dont know anything specific but I'm sure the police will work it out. I heard from a pal in the recovery trade that the two vehicles that hit each other were going in opposite directions hence my comment about dual carriageways. You cant hit an oncoming car on a dual carriageway. Best wishes - Daz
Posted by: mereman on 1:24pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Thanks for that Daz - any information helps us all to try and understand. Our friend was a safe and sensible driver, with a sensible car which makes it all seem so much more unbelievable.
Thanks for that Daz - any information helps us all to try and understand. Our friend was a safe and sensible driver, with a sensible car which makes it all seem so much more unbelievable.
Posted by: mallochy, wiltshire on 2:05pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Mereman. You need to phone the Family Liaison Officer at Amesbury Police Station. I spoke to them tomorrow and they were incredibly helpful. Whilst I probably have many of the answers you're looking for, i feel uncomfortable talking about it unless to direct family and even then worry I'm overstepping my place.
Mereman. You need to phone the Family Liaison Officer at Amesbury Police Station. I spoke to them tomorrow and they were incredibly helpful. Whilst I probably have many of the answers you're looking for, i feel uncomfortable talking about it unless to direct family and even then worry I'm overstepping my place.
Posted by: stanners_1, London on 2:13pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I was travelling London-bound approx 10 cars behind the accident. I arrived less than 1min after impact - the truck had jack-knived and was nearly on its side facing southbound, and the Car involved had spun, facing London-bound. Both Truck Drivers were trapped, as were the occupents of the car. I went to offer assistance, but there was little anyone could do until the Emergency Services arrived 10mins+ later! I dont know the reason for the impact, however the consequences were pretty horrific, truck drivers were stable, but both car occupents had faint pulses. Does anyone have an update on condition of the young lad in the car?
I was travelling London-bound approx 10 cars behind the accident. I arrived less than 1min after impact - the truck had jack-knived and was nearly on its side facing southbound, and the Car involved had spun, facing London-bound. Both Truck Drivers were trapped, as were the occupents of the car. I went to offer assistance, but there was little anyone could do until the Emergency Services arrived 10mins+ later! I dont know the reason for the impact, however the consequences were pretty horrific, truck drivers were stable, but both car occupents had faint pulses. Does anyone have an update on condition of the young lad in the car?
Posted by: mallochy, wiltshire on 2:26pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Dear Stanners You know not of what you talk.
Dear Stanners You know not of what you talk.
Posted by: Paul, Warminster on 3:12pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Was in the London side or Wincanton side of Mere, cause I have seen cars going from one carriage of the A303 to the other through a gap in the barriers instead of going through Mere.
Was in the London side or Wincanton side of Mere, cause I have seen cars going from one carriage of the A303 to the other through a gap in the barriers instead of going through Mere.
Posted by: stanners_1, London on 4:05pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Whatever Anorak....
Posted by: Russell Hawker, WESTBURY on 5:32pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]The Dazman[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]mallochy[/bold] wrote: I can promise everyone that the accident had absolutely nothing to do with whether the road was or was not dual carriage My constant thoughts are with the family.[/quote] My point is that you dont get head on collisions on a dual carriageway. They are safer to drive on.[/quote] I agree that dual-carriageways are usually safer than roads without the central barrier.
But, there are still some places were dual-carriageways have turn-right junctions across the on-coming traffic. (Almost) head-on accidents do happen, which I suppose is why many such right-turn junctions are gradually being closed off.
The Dazman wrote:
mallochy wrote: I can promise everyone that the accident had absolutely nothing to do with whether the road was or was not dual carriage My constant thoughts are with the family.
My point is that you dont get head on collisions on a dual carriageway. They are safer to drive on.
I agree that dual-carriageways are usually safer than roads without the central barrier.
But, there are still some places were dual-carriageways have turn-right junctions across the on-coming traffic. (Almost) head-on accidents do happen, which I suppose is why many such right-turn junctions are gradually being closed off.
Posted by: mereman on 8:22pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Thank you Mallochy - I have spoken with Amesbury and now feel better armed to answer some of my childrens questions - they are great friends of the child involved. I also appreciate you discretion - thank you.
Thank you Mallochy - I have spoken with Amesbury and now feel better armed to answer some of my childrens questions - they are great friends of the child involved. I also appreciate you discretion - thank you.
Posted by: The Dazman, Wiltshire on 9:10am Sat 29 Mar 08
What stanners fails to realise is this is rural South West Wiltshire NOT London. I sense he is critical of the emergency services taking "10+" minutes to arrive? Does he think there is an ambulance crew every five miles along there just sitting twiddling their thumbs with a bit of straw sticking out of their mouths? They are spread out so thinly it's frightening. I have heard of ambulances being sent as far from from Gloucester, Taunton or Yeovil to Westbury to answer emergency calls. Sadly they can't be everywhere at once but I know one thing I bet they did their best.
What stanners fails to realise is this is rural South West Wiltshire NOT London. I sense he is critical of the emergency services taking "10+" minutes to arrive? Does he think there is an ambulance crew every five miles along there just sitting twiddling their thumbs with a bit of straw sticking out of their mouths? They are spread out so thinly it's frightening. I have heard of ambulances being sent as far from from Gloucester, Taunton or Yeovil to Westbury to answer emergency calls. Sadly they can't be everywhere at once but I know one thing I bet they did their best.
Posted by: lollylobb, dorset on 11:12am Mon 31 Mar 08
Hello there
The man who dies in the crash was a very close family friend and my younger brothers godfather. It has been a great loss to all of us however, what life has lost music has gained as boris's notorious verion of "jolene" is a memory or should i say scar that will never leave me!
They believe that the crash happened due to the driver possibly having a heart attack, meaning that he would have suddenly frozen and been unable to avoid impact. They cannot confirm this though until the passenger is able to talk to investigators. This may not be for some time as the passenger, the drivers 12 year old son, is only just managing to maintain a stable state after suffering two broken legs and lacerations to the chest, though with blood transfusions and being kept under heavy sedation he is safe. He is also mentally traumatised after spending being trapped in the car for over 2 hours whilst emegency services cut him out. The emegency services themselves were brilliant, responding fast and saving the boy's life with quick action from the air ambulance. I personally would like to thank anyone involved for thier help at this point.
As the air amubuance do so much to save so many lives, mine and this young boys included. i am proposing to ride across Dorset in the summer to raise money...please look out for this event
Also, as an after-thought, the single track road was the cause of this fatallity as thier veihicle was not travelling above 60mph when it drifted in to the oppsite lane to meet, in head on collision, an army veichile-unarmed. Had there been crash barriers or another lane it would have been unlikely that there would have been any fatalities.
thank you.
Hello there
The man who dies in the crash was a very close family friend and my younger brothers godfather. It has been a great loss to all of us however, what life has lost music has gained as boris's notorious verion of "jolene" is a memory or should i say scar that will never leave me!
They believe that the crash happened due to the driver possibly having a heart attack, meaning that he would have suddenly frozen and been unable to avoid impact. They cannot confirm this though until the passenger is able to talk to investigators. This may not be for some time as the passenger, the drivers 12 year old son, is only just managing to maintain a stable state after suffering two broken legs and lacerations to the chest, though with blood transfusions and being kept under heavy sedation he is safe. He is also mentally traumatised after spending being trapped in the car for over 2 hours whilst emegency services cut him out. The emegency services themselves were brilliant, responding fast and saving the boy's life with quick action from the air ambulance. I personally would like to thank anyone involved for thier help at this point.
As the air amubuance do so much to save so many lives, mine and this young boys included. i am proposing to ride across Dorset in the summer to raise money...please look out for this event
Also, as an after-thought, the single track road was the cause of this fatallity as thier veihicle was not travelling above 60mph when it drifted in to the oppsite lane to meet, in head on collision, an army veichile-unarmed. Had there been crash barriers or another lane it would have been unlikely that there would have been any fatalities.
thank you.
Posted by: Woolley, London on 3:25pm Thu 24 Apr 08
[quote][bold]stanners_1[/bold] wrote:
I was travelling London-bound approx 10 cars behind the accident. I arrived less than 1min after impact - the truck had jack-knived and was nearly on its side facing southbound, and the Car involved had spun, facing London-bound. Both Truck Drivers were trapped, as were the occupents of the car. I went to offer assistance, but there was little anyone could do until the Emergency Services arrived 10mins+ later! I dont know the reason for the impact, however the consequences were pretty horrific, truck drivers were stable, but both car occupents had faint pulses. Does anyone have an update on condition of the young lad in the car? [/quote] I was heading London-bound directly behind the truck. I can confirm that Stanners comments are extremely accurate. I was in a great deal of shock after it happened. My thoughts are with family and friends.
stanners_1 wrote:
I was travelling London-bound approx 10 cars behind the accident. I arrived less than 1min after impact - the truck had jack-knived and was nearly on its side facing southbound, and the Car involved had spun, facing London-bound. Both Truck Drivers were trapped, as were the occupents of the car. I went to offer assistance, but there was little anyone could do until the Emergency Services arrived 10mins+ later! I dont know the reason for the impact, however the consequences were pretty horrific, truck drivers were stable, but both car occupents had faint pulses. Does anyone have an update on condition of the young lad in the car?
I was heading London-bound directly behind the truck. I can confirm that Stanners comments are extremely accurate. I was in a great deal of shock after it happened. My thoughts are with family and friends.
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