A large-scale search operation is currently underway for four individuals who entered an abandoned mine shortly before a fire broke out. The group was last seen entering the quarry at Elm Cross Yard in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency services were alerted to the scene after reports of smoke emanating from the tunnels at around 7pm. Concerns grew for the missing individuals after it was confirmed they had been seen entering the mine at approximately 5.30pm. The potential dangers of inhalation raised further alarm about their wellbeing.

In response, six fire crews from Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Melksham, Corsham, and Westbury were dispatched, alongside police and local ambulance teams. A specialist Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) from the South Western Ambulance Service also joined the operation. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze using a hose reel jet, while gas monitors and thermal imaging cameras were employed to assist in the search efforts.

The search continued until shortly after 4am on Thursday. Chief Inspector Ben Huggins provided an update on the situation, stating, "Last night, we assisted our fire service colleagues in dealing with a serious incident in a mine off Frome Road in Bradford on Avon. Four people were seen entering the mine at 5.30pm and two hours later smoke was reported to be coming out of it. The four individuals were unaccounted for and a significant amount of resources were deployed as there were concerns for their safety."

He added, "A national, specialist mines rescue team attended and carried out a full search of the underground area which had filled with smoke. If any of the individuals had not already left the mine at this point, it was highly unlikely that they would have survived."

Fortunately, the rescue team concluded that the mine was empty, and no injuries have been reported. Chief Inspector Huggins took the opportunity to warn against the dangers of exploring such sites, stating, "Whilst this may seem an interesting place to explore, the reality is underground locations contain a number of hazards, dangers and difficulties presenting a potential risk to individual safety."

Authorities are continuing their enquiries to identify the four individuals involved in the incident. The tunnels are part of a former limestone quarry that spans approximately 10 acres, which was used to store equipment during World War Two and later transformed into a mushroom farm.