Lorry Driver Rescued From London River

Fire crews had to to steady the lorry, while a lifeboat team broke a window

Author: Will ChalkPublished 4th Mar 2022

Emergency workers in London say the driver of a lorry that fell into a river is safe and well - despite being temporarily trapped in his sinking cab.

Firefighters were called yesterday after the vehicle slipped into Twickenham Riverside.

They managed to stop it falling any further underwater - before a lifeboat crew broke through a passenger side window with a hammer.

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 breath of work fire crews deal with and good partnership working with key partner agencies.”

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