Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Steve Brooks and council leader Cllr John Williams have spoken of their shock at last night's crash.

Mr Brooks said: "My heart goes out to everyone affected by this terrible crash.

"They and their families will, I know, be in the hearts and prayers of the people of Taunton Deane.

“I would also like to extend my deepest and most sincere thanks to the emergency services who showed the ultimate professionalism.

"They have the most difficult jobs at times like these.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the staff at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton where many of the injured are being treated.

He added: “Again we must all be grateful that we have first class care and treatment in Taunton.”

Mr Williams said: “Whatever Taunton Deane Council can do to help those affected we will do.

"The incident and effect on those involved is unimaginable.

"We are liaising with other agencies to see what help and support we as a council can offer but in the meantime I fully support the comments made by our Mayor.

"As a council, I reiterate, we are fully committed to providing what assistance we can in response to an accident of unimaginable proportions and our sincere condolences to those who have been involved or have lost loved ones in this tragic incident.”