Four escape after Wiltshire mine fire ends nine-hour rescue
Mine cleared; four people escaped and no injuries reported as investigation continues.
Four people who were seen entering a disused mine at Elm Cross Yard in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, were confirmed to have escaped after a nine-hour rescue operation prompted by a blaze in the mine.
Emergency services were alerted around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday when smoke was observed billowing from the mine. Police and firefighters rushed to the scene, with six fire crews from Bradford-on-Avon, Trowbridge, Melksham, Corsham and Westbury in attendance. Frome Road was closed as crews worked to extinguish the fire. Authorities said 999 responders were concerned that anyone remaining inside could suffer life-threatening effects from smoke inhalation.
Six breathing apparatus wearers entered the mine alongside Mansfield Mine Rescue, HM Inspectorate of Mines, and police gas monitors, with thermal-imaging cameras used inside. The search operation continued through the night as crews worked to locate anyone who might have remained inside the smoke-filled tunnels.
The search ended just before 4:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, with no signs of the four individuals inside. Wiltshire Police later confirmed that the mine appeared to be empty and that the four had left the area safely.
Chief Inspector Ben Huggins said underground locations carry significant risks, including unstable structures and poor air quality, and that the response reflected the concern for the group safety. He noted that the operation drew substantial resources out of caution for the four people involved.
The tunnels form part of a former limestone quarry spanning about 10 acres (roughly 40,000 square metres). The site dates back to World War II and was later used as a mushroom farm. In 2018 police found an estimated £1million of cannabis at the site, the largest such haul at the time.
Authorities stressed that underground sites pose hazards and that people should not enter without proper safety measures or permission. Wiltshire Police said they would continue to investigate the blaze and the sightings of the four individuals while the cause remains under inquiry.