Bedford High Street chaos after car hits exploding manhole cover
Fire crews from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue are battling the aftermath of a bizarre road traffic collision on Bedford High Street. A single vehicle smashed into a manhole cover which suddenly blew up, causing chaos for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Emergency services rush to bizarre crash
Firefighters from Bedford and Kempston arrived swiftly at the scene, supported by a Specialist Rescue Unit, Bedfordshire Police, and East of England Ambulance Service. The crash took place right outside Wilkinson’s, where a Seat Leon FR struck a raised manhole cover. The force set off the airbags and trapped a woman inside.
Fire crews used Holmatro cutting gear to cut off the car’s roof and carefully extricated the trapped woman. She was then carried out on a long board and handed over to paramedics for treatment.
Road closures and travel warnings
Authorities promptly shut Bedford High Street and Mill Street while the rescue was underway. Nearby St Paul’s Square is also affected by the closures.
Bedfordshire Police advise travellers to use the Bus Station for boarding buses, as the high street remains closed until further notice.
Warning for drivers with low suspension cars
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue warn motorists with low-riding cars to steer clear of Bedford High Street. Roadworks have left manhole covers raised above street level. Just yesterday (21 March 2018), a similar incident caused airbags to deploy and required a woman’s rescue after her low suspension vehicle hit a raised cover.
Fire service officials urge caution to avoid any more explosive surprises on Bedford’s roads.
