A woman has died after a serious crash which also left another woman and a young boy injured.
Emergency services, including police, paramedics, the fire service and multiple air ambulance - rushed to the A3066 in Mosterton just after 8.10pm on Wednesday to reports three people had been hit by a car, a blue Mercedes, which then burst into flames.
All of the pedestrians were taken to hospital by air ambulance for treatment.
The woman, aged in her 40s, died on the afternoon of Thursday, February 9, police confirmed.
Furthermore, a woman aged in her 20s remains in critical condition.
A third pedestrian - a young boy- sustained serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Following reports that a man involved in the collision had left the scene, searches were carried out in the area.
A 40-year-old man from Yeovil was then located and arrested on suspicion of driving offences before being taken to hospital for treatment of injuries that are not believed to be serious.
Police Sergeant Mark Scammell, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the woman who sadly died and the injured pedestrians.
“An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed what happened, as well as anyone who may have captured the collision or moments leading up to it on dashcam footage, to please come forward.
“I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while the road closure is in place as this allows us to carry out a thorough examination of the scene.”
A witness appeal has now been launched following the incident.
Those with information are asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230021029.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
Dorset Council have confirmed that the route will be closed until at least 6pm this evening (Thursday, February 9). The road is currently closed between the South Perrrot turn off and Drimpton turn off.
A statement from Dorset Council said: "The A3066 at Mosterton will remain closed until at least 6pm today, 9 February, for the road to be cleared and safety checks carried out. Thank you for your patience."
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