Man killed in bridge collapse after trailer carrying 11 people plunges into river

A man has died and several others injured after a vehicle and trailer plunged into a river after a bridge collapsed in Lancashire.
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Police were called around 4.25pm yesterday (Tuesday, January 18) to the Moor Lane area of Roeburndale, east of Lancaster, following a report of a serious accident on a farm.

It was reported a Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer had fallen into a river when a bridge collapsed, the Lancashire Post reported.

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Eleven people were in the ranger vehicle and trailer at the time of the incident.

A Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer has fallen into a river when a bridge collapsed at around 4.25pm yesterday (Tuesday, January 18) in the Moor Lane area of Roeburndale, east of Lancaster. Pic: Thomas BeresfordA Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer has fallen into a river when a bridge collapsed at around 4.25pm yesterday (Tuesday, January 18) in the Moor Lane area of Roeburndale, east of Lancaster. Pic: Thomas Beresford
A Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer has fallen into a river when a bridge collapsed at around 4.25pm yesterday (Tuesday, January 18) in the Moor Lane area of Roeburndale, east of Lancaster. Pic: Thomas Beresford

Sadly, one man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second man suffered a serious head injury and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment.

A third person has suffered a serious back injury and was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Others who are injured have also been taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

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Emergency services including police, ambulance crews, fire crews and mountain rescue responded to the scene.

Road closures remain in place today (Wednesday, January 19) and are expected to continue for some time. Pic credit: Thomas BeresfordRoad closures remain in place today (Wednesday, January 19) and are expected to continue for some time. Pic credit: Thomas Beresford
Road closures remain in place today (Wednesday, January 19) and are expected to continue for some time. Pic credit: Thomas Beresford

Road closures remain in place today (Wednesday, January 19) and are expected to continue for some time.

Police said the people in the vehicles were from a "shooting party" who were "travelling on private land" and were returning to the farm when the bridge collapsed.

An investigation into the circumstances around the incident is underway and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

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Det Insp Kirsty Wyatt, of Lancashire Police, said: “My thoughts are very much with all those involved in what is a very sad and tragic incident.

One man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene and several others have suffered serious injuries and are being treated at hospital. Pic: Thomas BeresfordOne man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene and several others have suffered serious injuries and are being treated at hospital. Pic: Thomas Beresford
One man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene and several others have suffered serious injuries and are being treated at hospital. Pic: Thomas Beresford

"One man has sadly died and a number of people have suffered serious injuries.

"At this time we believe the vehicle was pulling the trailer, containing a number of people, when a bridge gave way. Those people were then thrown from the vehicle and trailer.

"Our investigation is at very early stages and enquiries are ongoing to establish what happened."

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Anyone with information which can help police can call 101 quoting log 0953 of January 18.

Emergency services including police, ambulance crews, fire crews and mountain rescue responded to the incident. Pic credit: Thomas BeresfordEmergency services including police, ambulance crews, fire crews and mountain rescue responded to the incident. Pic credit: Thomas Beresford
Emergency services including police, ambulance crews, fire crews and mountain rescue responded to the incident. Pic credit: Thomas Beresford

The Health and Safety Executive, North West Ambulance Service and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service have been approached for further details.

For the latest on this developing story, follow our sister title, lep.co.uk