An investigation has been launched after a double-decker bus carrying workers to Hinkley Point C overturned on the A39 in icy conditions near Cannington.

A Somerset NHS spokesperson revealed a total of 56 people were treated for injuries following the crash, with three taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

The vehicle had 70 passengers and the driver on board when it overturned at around 6am Tuesday morning. The accident was understood to involve a motorcyclist. 

Avon and Somerset Police declared a major incident, with the Dorset and Somerset air ambulance sent to the scene.

The South Western Ambulance Service sent 23 double-crewed land ambulances, two critical care teams, and two hazardous area response teams.

In a statement an NHS Somerset spokesperson said that "As of 3pm today, 27 patients were treated at the Minor Injuries Unit in Bridgwater and a further 26 were treated at the Emergency Department at Musgrove Park Hospital for injuries consistent with a serious traffic collision.

"A small number require surgery and some have been admitted to inpatient wards.  A further three patients were taken to Southmead Hospital, Bristol, where they received treatment, but none have needed to be admitted to hospital."

On Tuesday afternoon a Hinkley Point C spokesperson said that police were recovering the vehicle with a view to opening the road.

They added: “Safety of our workforce is of paramount importance to us, and we will assist the police as they investigate the cause of the incident."

The MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, Ian Liddell-Grainger called for a full investigation into the crash. 

In a statement he said: “We absolutely most get to the bottom of why this crash occurred because EDF is very conscious of the need to maintain the highest safety standards for the protection of their workers.” 

He added: “I am aware police have been reporting a high number of accidents in the area this morning, all of them blamed on icy road conditions. We need to establish as soon as we can whether similar circumstances played a role in this particular event.”

In the wake of the incident Avon and Somerset Police issued travel advice. A spokesperson said: “We are advising the local residents to only travel where absolutely essential, due to the icy conditions caused by the cold temperatures overnight and the residual water on the road.”

Tuesday's bus crash came after over 100 reports of road traffic collisions being made to Avon and Somerset Police over a five-hour period on Monday evening. 

A new Yellow Weather Warning was issued by the Met Office from 6pm Tuesday evening, lasting through to Wednesday lunchtime. The forecaster said: “Snow showers and icy stretches may cause some disruption.”