Lorry driver jailed for causing Tyne Tunnel closure chaos on Great North Run day

A drugged-up lorry driver has been jailed after causing chaos in the Tyne Tunnel on the day of last year’s Great North Run.
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Altaf Hussain, 49, ignored or failed to acknowledge the height restriction and guided his 44-tonne HGV into the wrong lane – causing more than £20,000 worth of damage to the tunnel roof.

After travelling for around 600m, with debris flying everywhere, Hussain pulled over and quizzed by Northumbria Police.

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Tests later determined he had more than twice the legal limit of morphine in his system.

Altaf Hussain, left, has been jailed after causing traffic chaos in the Tyne Tunnel on Great North Run day 2019.Altaf Hussain, left, has been jailed after causing traffic chaos in the Tyne Tunnel on Great North Run day 2019.
Altaf Hussain, left, has been jailed after causing traffic chaos in the Tyne Tunnel on Great North Run day 2019.

The northbound tunnel was closed for around 90 minutes as the emergency services dealt with the incident.

Hussain, of Bowling Hall Road, Bradford, admitted dangerous driving and driving while impaired through drugs when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court and received a 19-week prison sentence.

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The northbound Tyne Tunnel entrance.The northbound Tyne Tunnel entrance.
The northbound Tyne Tunnel entrance.

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