Bridge Badly Damaged After Van Crashes Into It & Sets On Fire

A road and section of canal has been closed after a van crashed into a bridge and set on fire.

The historic structure on Bunkers Hill Road, between Theddingworth and Foxton, was badly damaged in the crash just after midnight on Saturday, with part of it collapsing into the water.

Police say the driver of the van. which came to rest a few yards away, fled the scene and enquires to trace them are continuing.

Video: Andy Carpenter

A spokesperson for the Leicestershire force told Hfm: “Shortly after midnight on Saturday (3 April) police received a report of a van on fire in Bunkers Hill Road, Lubenham.

“Officers attended and found the van was alight and had collided with a bridge. The driver had left the scene.

“Bunkers Hill Road was closed between its junctions with Laughton Road and Harborough Road but later reopened.

“The vehicle was recovered and enquiries are continuing.”

The Fire Service also attended the scene to deal with blaze.

The Canal and River Trust has closed the section of canal which runs under the bridge and the road over it, while it assesses the damage fully.

A spokesperson told Hfm: “The road has been closed and we’re working to make the site safe and put together a repair programme.

“At this stage we don’t know exactly how long it will take but we’re working as quickly as possible to carry out the repairs and reopen the road.

“Almost two thirds of the southern parapet have been knocked into the canal and we’ve temporarily stopped navigation on that section so that we can recover the debris.

“We hope to be able to reuse as much of the debris as possible.

“It’s the second time in 18 months that this bridge has been hit and we’d urge drivers to please slow down and take care when passing over historic bridges like this one.

“Canal bridges like this are such an important part of the area’s history and character and it’s a real shame to see them damaged in this way. If drivers just slowed down a bit when approaching historic bridges like this we can make sure that they’re protected for everyone to enjoy.”