Van trapped under Metro bridge caused road closure in Hebburn

Emergency services were called to Black Road, Hebburn, at around 11.50am, yesterday, after reports a vehicle had become lodged under the bridge.

When police arrived they found an Ivaco Cherrypicker van was wedged. 
Officers closed the road to traffic while work to recover the vehicle and a part of the arm of the cherry picker which had become detached, took place.

Metro trains continued to operate while work to remove the van took place, but at a reduced speed after checks revealed there was no structural damage to the bridge.

The driver was uninjured. The van was damaged at the front.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At around 11.49 am police received a report a van had become stuck under a bridge in Black Road, Hebburn.

“Officers attended the scene and it appeared an Ivaco Cherrypicker vehicle had become lodged while trying to pass underneath the Metro bridge.

“The driver was uninjured in the collision and there were no other vehicles involved.

“Emergency services also attended the scene and the road was subsequently closed while the vehicle was recovered.

“The road was reopened at around 1.12pm and no structural damage was caused.”

A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “A fire engine from Hebburn Community Fire Station has been called to the scene.

“It was a cherry picker that had hit a metro bridge.

“No damage has been caused to the bridge.”
One witness at the scene said: “The driver has been very lucky.

“The whole situation could have been a lot worse, if the bridge was damaged.”