An all-terrain vehicle and trailer plunged into a river after a bridge broke, killing a man and critically injuring two others.
Following a report of a serious accident on a farm, police were dispatched to the Moor Lane area of Roeburndale, east of Lancaster, at 16:25.
When a bridge collapsed, a Polaris Ranger vehicle towing a trailer fell into a river.
On the 18th of January, 11 persons were reported to be in the ranger truck and trailer.
A man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A second man was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment, whilst a third man was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary after suffering from a serious back injury.
Police were called to the Forest of Bowland, alongside ambulance, fire crews and mountain rescue.
The police force said the people in the vehicle were from a “shooting party” who were “travelling on private land” and were returning from the farm when the bridge collapsed.
The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.
Det Insp Kirsty Wyatt, of Lancashire Police said: “My thoughts are very much with all those involved in what is a very sad and tragic incident.
At this time we believe the vehicle was pulling the trailer, containing a number of people, when a bridge gave way. Those people were then thrown from the vehicle and trailer.
“Our investigation is at very early stages and enquiries are ongoing to establish what happened.”
Road closures remain in place on 19 January, and are expected to continue for some time.
Anyone with information which can help police is urged to call 101 quoting log 0953 of January 18.