Devizes Crash: Serious Three-Car Collision Leads to Rushed Hospitalization

Strategic Insights -

A serious three-car collision on Saturday morning, October 18, resulted in one casualty being rushed to hospital. The accident occurred on the A361 Caen Hill at the turnoff for the B3101 Marsh Lane heading towards Rowde, causing significant damage to multiple vehicles. Eyewitnesses described the scene as "carnage" with "blue lights everywhere" and one grey car sideways across the other side of the road.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three cars were involved in the collision, with one casualty being rushed to hospital by the South Western Ambulance Service.
  • The South Western Ambulance Service conveyed one patient by land ambulance to the Royal United Hospital Bath, with a spokesperson confirming the incident at 10:04hrs on Saturday, October 18.
  • Wiltshire Police has confirmed that the injuries sustained are not thought to be "serious" and no arrests have been made.
  • The crash occurred amidst plans to improve safety at the junction, after it has previously been labelled a "blackspot" for drivers.
  • Wiltshire Council plans to lower the speed limit on the A361 Caen Hill at Devizes, from the national speed limit to 50mph, between the point 684 metres west of Devizes Road and the 30mph entrance to the town.
  • Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, stated that lowering the speed limit on Caen Hill would be an important part of any project to increase road safety.
  • The council's plan is designed to avoid further incidents, following multiple crashes in recent years, including a serious one in May that sparked concerns about the safety of the road.

Statistics:

  • 1 casualty was rushed to hospital.
  • 3 cars were involved in the collision.
  • The incident occurred at 10:04hrs on Saturday, October 18.
  • The success rate of lowering the speed limit on Caen Hill to reduce road fatalities and injuries is yet to be determined.
  • The current speed limit on the A361 Caen Hill at Devizes is the national speed limit.

Sources:

  • [South Western Ambulance Service: https://www.swasft.nhs.uk/]
  • [Wiltshire Police: https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/]
  • [Wiltshire Council: https://wiltshire.gov.uk/]
  • [Council for the Protection of Rural England: Will Ethelston, 2020: no specified source]