Two people died, including a three-year-old girl, in a tragic 75-minute period on the region’s roads yesterday.
The first fatality happened just after 10.45am on Wednesday , on the A367 road between Bath and Radstock in north east Somerset.
A collision involving two cars happened on Dunkerton Hill near Peasedown St John.
A woman driving one of the cars involved was airlifted to hospital but was pronounced dead there, while a second driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Then, just over an hour later and less than 20 miles away in Calne in Wiltshire, police were called to a tragic collision involving a van and a three-year-old girl.
The incident happened in the cul-de-sac of Campion Close, and paramedics and police rushed to the road, but the girl was pronounced dead at the scene, just after noon.
Insp James Brain, from the Chippenham Area Community Policing Team, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the girl’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“I ask that their privacy is respected and we will also be working with the local community who would have no doubt been impacted by this.
“We understand that people will want to pay their respects and come together at this difficult time, but can we please ensure this is done safely and to keep in mind the current Government guidelines regarding Covid restrictions and maintain social distancing.
“Our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is at a very early stage and we won’t be providing any further update at the moment,” he added.
Police said the driver of the van remained at the scene and was helping officers with their investigations - and no one had been arrested.
Avon and Somerset police are appealing for any witnesses who saw the Dunkerton Hill crash and hasn’t yet spoken to police, to come forward, particularly those who have dashcam recordings made in the area on that road at the time.
If anyone can help, they are asked to call 101, ask for Avon and Somerset police, and give the call handler the reference number 5221045724.
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