A man has died and several others have been injured after a vehicle and trailer fell into a river when a bridge collapsed a short distance from the Yorkshire Dales.

PICTURES EMERGE OF THE SCENE

Police were called around 4.25pm today (Tuesday, January 18) to the Moor Lane area of Roeburndale following a report of a serious accident on a farm.

It was reported a Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer had fallen into a river when a bridge collapsed. 

Eleven people were in the Ranger and trailer at the time of the incident, which happened just over the border in Lancashire.

Sadly, one man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second man suffered a serious head injury and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment.

A third person has suffered a serious back injury and was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Others who are injured have also been taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

The Ranger is a rugged utility vehicle often used on farms.

Emergency services including police, ambulance crews, fire crews and mountain rescue attended the scene in the rural area to the west of places such as Bentham and Settle. 

Road closures are in place and expected to continue for some time.

An investigation into the circumstances around the incident is underway and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Det Insp Kirsty Wyatt, of Lancashire Police, said: “My thoughts are very much with all those involved in what is a very sad and tragic incident.

“One man has sadly died and a number of people have suffered serious injuries.

“At this time we believe the vehicle was pulling the trailer, containing a number of people, when a bridge gave way. Those people were then thrown from the vehicle and trailer.

“Our investigation is at very early stages and enquiries are ongoing to establish what happened.”

Anyone with information which can help police can call 101 quoting log 0953 of January 18.