Fire service to the rescue of lorry driver 'in deep water'

By Rory Poulter

4th Mar 2022 | Local News

A high tide in Twickenham riverside this afternoon almost ended in disaster for one lorry driver.

London Fire Brigade were called in after the skip lorry toppled off the Flood Lane car park and was left nose down in the cold, grey waters.

One onlooker suggested the fact that the water was flooding the riverside car park meant the driver was unable to see the edge of the hard standing.

He is thought to have believed the car park extended as far out as a set of bollards to the left of the images.

London Fire Brigade said the driver of the lorry had been trapped inside due to the water.

Borough Commander John Snelgrove, who was at the scene, said: "The tide was at its highest point and the water was up to the driver's side window and prevented him from leaving the vehicle.

"Firefighters secured the skip lorry to stop it from moving further into the water. Thankfully the local RNLI crews arrived and using a hammer from the fire engine broke the passenger's side window and helped the man into the boat.

"Thankfully the man was uninjured. This usual incident shows the breadth of work fire crews deal with and good partnership working with key partner agencies."

The Brigade was called at 15.17 and the incident was over for firefighters by 15,56. Fire crews from Heston, Wimbledon and Twickenham fire stations attended.

The images come from renowned local artist and photographer, Ruth Wadey, whose impressive weather and wildlife work often features on TV and is widely shared on social media.

Ruth was on the scene and told Nub News: "It's crazy! Dozens of ambulances, police cars, and fire engines here!

"All is cordoned off now as they are trying to recover the driver and lorry, I could see the driver moving around in the front of the vehicle."

     

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