Collision investigation underway after teenager’s death in Taunton

A police investigation is underway following a fatal collision in Taunton last night (Thursday 1 October).

One person has died and a second is in hospital with serious injuries as a result of a two-vehicle collision in East Reach at about 10.20pm.

Emergency services were called to scene following a collision between a car and a second vehicle, which we believe to be an electric motorcycle but was not at the scene when officers arrived.

We understand two teenage boys were riding that vehicle when it collided with a car whose driver had stopped at the traffic lights near the junction with Haydon Road.

One of the boys was taken to hospital by air ambulance where they remain in a critical condition.

The second boy, aged 16, died at the scene and we believe he was most likely the pillion passenger.

His family have been notified and they will be supported by a specially-trained officer going forward. Our thoughts are with the boy’s family at this incredibly sad and difficult time.

Out of respect for the family, we would please ask people do not speculate on the circumstances of the collision or publish on social media any images or footage from the scene.

Enquiries to locate the vehicle the pair were riding are ongoing.

East Reach was closed for several hours as a result of the collision, but was reopened at about 7.30am this morning.

We would ask anyone with information about the collision or the suspected electric motorbike involved to please contact us on 101 or online quoting reference number 5226281802.