ONE woman has been killed and another left fighting for life after a crash between a tractor and a car.

Bridgwater Road in Taunton was closed following the horror smash.

Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 7pm yesterday (Thursday) evening after reports of a serious crash on the road.

Sadly, one woman was declared dead at the scene.

She has now been named locally as Carol Broxholme, with scores of tributes paid to the "inspiring" and "kind" woman.

Another woman was rushed to hospital with what police describe as life-threatening injuries.

She remains in a critical condition, with the ambulance service saying that she suffered a serious head injury.

An investigation has now been launched by police, with two people arrested in connection with the incident.

Two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and have been arrested on police bail. 

One 16-year-old and one 19-year-old have been bailed until April 11, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesman has confirmed. 

The road was closed in both directions overnight, but has since reopened with traffic running normally.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were called at 6.54pm following a collision between a car and a tractor towing a trailer on Bridgwater Road.

"The trailer became detached from the tractor and struck the car.

"A woman has sadly died at the scene while another has been taken to Southmead Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

"Officers from the collision investigation unit are at the scene and the road is expected to be closed for some time while our inquiries are carried out.

"Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call 101 and quote log number 1012 of March 9."

Firefighters from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were also called to the scene.

A spokesman said: "Three fire engines and a rescue tender from Taunton were sent to a report of a road traffic collision at Bridgwater Road.

"On arrival the crews confirmed that this was a two vehicle road traffic collision involving a motor vehicle and a tractor/trailer unit.  

"Ambulance crews and police were already in attendance.

"Crews released a casualty from within the vehicle using a rapid extrication technique. 

"They were then left in the care of Ambulance crews while Fire crews made the vehicles safe and assisted Police."

Scores of tributes have been left online following the crash.

Shell Billettn said: "RIP. Thoughts go out to the family."

Valerie May posted: "Thoughts with all involved life is so precious."

Steve Webb said: "Terrible news so sad."