A lorry dispatched to repair a massive sinkhole on a country road has itself become trapped after falling into the opening. Workers from the ironically named Stabilised Pavements arrived at Butleigh Drive in Walton, Somerset, intending to fix a section of road suffering from major subsidence. However, as the lorry drove over a delicate part of the road, the surface gave way, leaving one side of the vehicle wedged in what turned out to be a huge pothole.
Lorry Stranded at 45-Degree Angle
The lorry ended up stuck at a 45-degree angle, with no hope of a quick recovery. The workmen had to abandon the vehicle, and arrangements were made for it to be pulled out at a later date. The trapped lorry has since become something of an attraction for bemused locals, who have been photographed beside the stranded vehicle.
Similar Incident in Scotland
The incident comes just months after a similar event in Dunbar, Scotland, in February. Contractors in Lamer Street fell into a sinkhole that formed after damage to a sea wall running alongside the road. A large HGV from Stabilised Pavements, carrying tarmac, became stuck in the hole. Photographs taken by a resident show the grey Scania lorry leaning to its right side, with the front driver-side wheel lodged in the hole. East Lothian Council confirmed that the 32,000kg vehicle has since been removed.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, noted a history of sinkholes in the area due to the damaged sea wall. They said: 'Another sinkhole appeared - the one they're repairing now. The lorry turned up this morning to put some tarmac on the street - this was the lorry containing the tarmac - and it fell in.' They described the lorry as being at 'quite a strange angle - probably worse than the photos make it look.' They added: 'I thought maybe it had lost a wheel or had a big puncture - I thought there was no way it could be another sinkhole.'
