Home / Disasters and Accidents / Ground Collapse Traps Repair Lorry Near Walton
Ground Collapse Traps Repair Lorry Near Walton
12 May
Summary
- A repair lorry became stuck at a near 45-degree angle in a sinkhole.
- Contractors were fixing a sinkhole when the ground unexpectedly gave way.
- The road is built on peat and has experienced significant movement.
A road repair project on Butleigh Drove near Walton, Somerset, encountered a significant setback when the ground beneath a working lorry gave way. Contractors from Stabilised Pavements were on-site to address a sinkhole when the earth collapsed, trapping their lorry at a steep, near 45-degree angle. This unexpected event forced the workers to abandon the vehicle.
Somerset council stated that the road is constructed on peat, which has led to considerable movement and rutting. This characteristic of the ground can occasionally cause issues during repair works. The incident follows damage sustained from Storm Chandra in January and other adverse weather conditions. The council confirmed that the stranded lorry is scheduled for recovery, after which the site will be evaluated to determine the best course for completing the repairs.
An opposition councillor criticized the council's road repair strategy, likening it to "trying to darn a pair of fishnet tights" and noting the "rapidly deteriorating" state of the road network.
