Latest on canal repairs after lorry carrying carrots falls off bridge

The dramatic crash took place on the A346 in the early hours of Saturday, June 15, and police were forced to shut the road between the Esso Island in Burbage and Blenheim Road in Marlborough after the lorry missed a bridge and plummeted into the water below. The lorry belongs to PrimaFrio, a Portuguese food company, and was carrying tons of carrots at the time which were left scattered along the banks of the canal in the aftermath. However, the Adver have been unsuccessful in contacting the Portuguese company to find out exactly what caused the crash.

It remains unclear exactly what caused the lorry to career off the road and into the canal. (Image: Dave Cox) "There are not thought to be any injuries but a lengthy recovery operation is now underway," said a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police at the time who confirmed that no arrests had been made. Recovery trucks remained at the scene for the rest of the day, and the route reopened at around 8.45am on Sunday, June 15.

But according to the Canal and River Trust, the canal will remain closed for several more days as contractors begin work dredging the water which was contaminated with fuel and removing the debris. "We are working with contractors to dredge the canal back to its usual depth after debris from the bridge, embankment and towpath fell into the canal from the impact of the lorry," said a spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust. "Navigation is currently closed for boats between lock 51 Wootton Rivers and lock 60 Crofton Lock.

The crash damaged the infrastructure, as well as depositing debris into the water and along the bank. (Image: Dave Cox) "We are hoping to have the canal open again by Monday 24 June, though the towpath will remain closed as it will require further work. "More time will also be required for the four metres of bridge wall that was damaged to be repaired."

Although no exact price has been confirmed for the work as of yet, the repair is expected to be costly.