Baroness Tour Bus Crash Leaves Nine Injured

Nine people were injured near Bath, England today (Aug. 15) when a tour bus carrying the prog-metal band Baroness crashed, falling 30 feet over a viaduct. Two passengers were reportedly seriously injured from the accident and were transported to Bristol’s Frenchay Hospital. The remaining seven suffered minor injuries and were treated at Bath’s Royal United Hospital.

Baroness’ tour promoter confirmed the accident, which occurred while the band was en route to Southampton, England, for a gig that was scheduled to take place tonight. The rest of the Savannah, Ga.-based band’s European tour, which included concerts in Belgium and Germany, has been cancelled.

The circumstances of the accident remain unclear, but the BBC reports that “heavy rain in the area reduced visibility and it was not possible for the air ambulance to land.” An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said that when emergency services were called to the scene, two victims were trapped on board and had to be freed by firefighters. Both had suffered multiple fractures.

Pitchfork posted a statement from the band’s label, Relapse Records:

Baroness have been involved in a motor coach accident in the Bath area of England.

All band members and personnel on board are currently receiving medical treatment.

The band had performed in Bristol last night and were traveling to Southampton for a performance at Talking Heads this evening.

All remaining dates on the band’s European tour have been canceled. Additional details to come as more information is available.

Avon and Somerset Police reported that “police are investigating the circumstances of the accident. At this stage it is too early to tell what the cause was.”