A WOMAN in her 20s has died in hospital following a three-vehicle collision near Ilminster this morning, (July 7) police have confirmed.

The incident took place shortly before 6.30am on the A303 close to the Ilminster by-pass. 

The collision involved a Mini Cooper,  a Fiat 500 and a Isuzu Trooper 4x4. 

Three people were injured and were taken to local hospitals. 

Sadly, one of those injured, a woman in her 20’s, died at hospital as a result of her injuries. 

The road was closed for several hours but has since reopened. 

Police are keen to speak to any motorist who may have witnessed the collision. 

In particular, they are keen to speak to a lorry driver who may have seen the incident as their vehicle was being overtaken. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact them now on 101 and quote log number 126 of today.

Earlier updates:

 The westbound carriageway has now been re-opened however eastbound lanes remain closed for investigation work following a serious accident between between Southfields and South Petherton.

Firefighters from Ilminster, Chard and the rescue tender from Yeovil fire station attended reports of a road traffic collision on the A303 between A358 / B3168 Station Road (Southfields Roundabout, Ilminster) and A356 (South Petherton).

Initial reports were of a three vehicle collision with people trapped inside.

Crews found ambulance and police in attendance and a three vehicle collision with two walking wounded casualties.

By 06:50am crews set up equipment to do a roof removal as two casualties werer medically trapped inside the vehicles.  

By 07:09am one roof had been removed and crewshelped paramedics with the casualty onto the long board.

The other casualty got out of the vehicle assisted by ambulance service.

Crews also made the vehicle safe

There is congestion on A358 to Park Barn Lane (Ashill).

The road is expected to remain closed for some time.