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Chaos on South Circular After Lorry Smashes Into Rail Bridge
The A205 South Circular is shut both ways this afternoon after a flatbed lorry carrying a digger crashed into a rail bridge near East Putney Station. The smash-up has thrown the area into gridlock, with major traffic snarls on Upper Richmond Road. Bus routes 37 and 337 are now diverted, leaving commuters stranded.
Crash Details: Lorry Hits Bridge, Causes Chaos
The collision happened just after midday, around 12:11 pm, when the lorry slammed into the bridge, causing visible damage and forcing the immediate closure of the road. Firefighters from Wandsworth Fire Station raced to the scene, securing the area and ensuring public safety. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
“Firefighters were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Upper Richmond Road in Putney,” a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said. “One flatbed lorry carrying a digger collided with a rail bridge. Firefighters made the scene safe. No injuries have been reported so far.”
Massive Delays and Diversions Hit Wandsworth
Wandsworth Council took to X (formerly Twitter) warning drivers to steer clear of the area, stating:
“There is currently a closure on Upper Richmond Road at East Putney Station due to a vehicle striking the bridge. Delays should be expected in the area so please avoid them where possible. @LondonFire and @metpoliceuk are in attendance.”
The closure has caused severe traffic chaos, especially on Upper Richmond Road. Bus services 37 and 337 are running altered routes, disrupting normal commutes and adding to the mayhem.
Ongoing Recovery Drama – Hydraulic Failure Delays Clearance
Emergency crews and engineers are still on-site dealing with the aftermath. A recovery lorry was brought in to remove the smashed digger, but the operation hit a snag when one of the lorry’s hydraulic lines burst. Recovery teams are scrambling to fix the fault, meaning the road will stay closed until all repairs are finally completed.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area and seek alternative routes as the East Putney chaos continues.
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