Wiltshire mine: Urgent hunt launched at UK shaft as four missing following fire

A huge search is underway after four people ventured into an abandoned mine shortly before a firebroke out.

The missing group were last seen entering the quarry at Elm Cross Yard, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, on Wednesday. Later that night, emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of smoke coming from the tunnels at around 7pm.

Officials flagged their concerns for the four individuals as they were worried they could still be inside. Further fears were raised over their condition due to the possible effects of inhalation. A nine hour search operation was launched, but the individuals are yet to be found.

Six fire crews from Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Melksham, Corsham and Westbury were dispatched to the scene. Police, local ambulance crews and a Bristol-based South Western Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) also responded to the incident.

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The fire was put out using one hose reel jet, and gas monitors and thermal imagine cameras were utilised inside – with searches ongoing until shortly after 4am on Thursday. Chief Inspector Ben Huggins urged explorers to avoid mines over serious safety concerns. In a statement, he said: “Last night, we assisted our fire service colleagues in dealing with a serious incident in a mine off Frome Road in Bradford on Avon.

“Four people were seen entering the mine at 5.30pm and two hours later smoke was reported to be coming out of it. The four individuals were unaccounted for and a significant amount of resources were deployed as there were concerns for their safety.

“A national, specialist mines rescue team attended and carried out a full search of the underground area which had filled with smoke. If any of the individuals had not already left the mine at this point, it was highly unlikely that they would have survived.”

Chief Inspector Huggins continued: “Thankfully, the team concluded that the mine was empty and were able to leave safely. No injuries have been reported. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage people to think about the dangers of trespassing underground.

“Whilst this may seem an interesting place to explore, the reality is underground locations contain a number of hazards, dangers and difficulties presenting a potential risk to individual safety. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the four people involved in the incident.”

The tunnels form part of a former limestone quarry covering about 10 acres or 40,000 square metres. The quarry used to tore equipment in World War Two and later became a mushroom farm