A serious collision near Bristol Airport has resulted in one person suffering possible life-threatening and life-changing injuries, and three people being arrested. The incident also caused major disruption to the airport operations, with dozens of flights being delayed or cancelled.
The crash
The crash occurred on the A38, a main road that connects the airport to the city of Bristol, just after midnight on Saturday, October 28, 2023. According to Avon and Somerset Police, two vehicles were involved in the collision, and one person was seriously injured. The police said that three people have been arrested in connection with the incident, two of whom remain in hospital, and one in police custody. The police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to help with their investigation.
The road was closed for several hours while emergency services attended the scene and carried out enquiries. The road has since reopened, but the police thanked the public for their patience and understanding.
The impact on the airport
The closure of the A38 meant that passengers and staff could not reach the airport, causing severe delays on some flights. Bristol Airport said that no flights took off from the site until around 08:00 BST on Saturday, and that some delays were expected throughout the rest of the day. The airport advised passengers to check with their airlines before travelling, and to allow extra time for their journey.
The airport also apologised for any inconvenience caused by the incident, and said that it was working closely with the police and other agencies to minimise the disruption. The airport said that it was providing support and assistance to those affected by the crash.
The reaction from the public
Many passengers took to social media to express their frustration and sympathy over the situation. Some said that they had been waiting for hours at the airport or on the road, while others said that they had missed their flights or had to cancel their plans. Some also praised the airport staff for their professionalism and helpfulness.
One passenger tweeted: “Stuck at Bristol Airport since 4am due to a serious accident on the A38. Hope everyone involved is OK. Staff here are doing a great job under difficult circumstances.”
Another passenger wrote: “Just arrived at Bristol Airport after a nightmare journey on the A38. Missed our flight to Barcelona by 10 minutes. Gutted. Thoughts are with those injured in the crash.”
A third passenger said: “Had to cancel our holiday due to the crash near Bristol Airport. So sad for those involved. Hope they recover soon.”
