Kate Mitchell, of Elm Lodge, said ‘There was a dull thud as the front of the lorry became lodged into the external chimney stack. As we ran out onto the road to see what had happened, with perfect timing, a police van was passing from the Wallingford direction, allowing me to flag it down and ask for help.’
Lorry seen from downhill
Firemen, rescue services and ambulances arrived at the scene and SSE was in attendance as the electricity supply had been cut. Fortunately the driver was unhurt, but the lorry had to stay in situ until a surveyor from WBC had assessed the situation. The lorry was then freed by using lubricant on the road enabling Edgertons recovery truck to use ropes to pull the trailer sideways away from the Bull. It was then driven slowly up the hill by a fireman to straighten it up, taking the risk that the chimney could collapse on to the lorry. Once freed it reversed down the hill, back through the lights, in order for it to be driven away in the Wallingford direction. After its removal the A329 and B4009 were closed in all directions as the chimney had to be rendered safe before traffic could use the road. Joe Campbell of BBC South Today arrived at the scene of the accident and videoed and interviewed people at the site. The incident was broadcast on TV in the evening with an interview by Tim Schultz, the previous landlord of The Catherine Wheel who now lives in the annexe of Elm Lodge.
Lorry seen from uphill
TV coverage. Photos: Adrian Turner