EMERGENCY services are attempting to excavate a car buried in a landslide at Beaminster Tunnel.
It is believed a couple lay buried in the vehicle for more than a week.
In a joint statement, Dorset Police and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said: “At approximately 6.30pm yesterday, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service were contacted by Avon and Somerset police regarding the partial collapse of Beaminster Tunnel.
“Crews were subsequently sent to investigate the area, and following a period of excavation discovered a vehicle under a large volume of earth and mud.
“At approximately 7.20pm yesterday Dorset Police were advised that Dorset Fire and Rescue Service personnel had discovered a car under a large volume of earth outside the entrance of Beaminster Tunnel.
“The road has been closed and a cordon has been put in place while emergency service staff attempt to excavate the vehicle.”
The bodies of the couple were only discovered after police used credit card details to retrace their steps and follow the route they may have taken.
The A3066 road has been closed at the Tunnel since heavy flooding on Friday July 6 and Saturday July 7 caused a landslide on the hill above the tunnel which fell onto the road and some structural damage to tunnel itself.
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