Dramatic Moment 300-Year-Old Bridge Collapses In The Floods

The floods that have ravaged Cumbria and Yorkshire claimed another victim yesterday – a bridge that has stood for more than 300 years.

The structure in the centre of Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, dramatically collapsed into the River Wharfe late in the afternoon.

The road had been closed due to fears over the bridge’s safety, and just before 5pm a huge chunk of stone fell into the swirling torrent.

A strong smell of gas came from pipes left visible in the gaping hole, prompting homes around the bridge – which was built in 1700 – to be evacuated ‘due to fears of a gas explosion’.

Emergency services arrived and soldiers were deployed to oversee the evacuation and set up a cordon.

How the bridge looked this morning

This morning 130 residents were still not allowed back to their homes.

Northern Gas will be checking all premises affected throughout the course of today, before allowing people back into their homes.

Meanwhile, Storm Frank threatens to wreak more havoc, with four severe weather warnings in place and 100 more flood warnings around the UK.

Forecasters say Britain’s sixth named storm will cause 'significant impact’ when it sweeps in tonight.

The bridge collapsed yesterday, cutting the town in two

The Met Office has issued severe amber-graded weather warnings – which advise residents to 'be prepared’ for further flooding.

Cumbria, York and parts of Scotland are expected to be among the worst hit areas, and western coasts are also set to experience severe gales.

Selby District Council released a statement to residents in Tadcaster, which said: 'Northern Gas staff will be facilitating controlled checks of all the premises concerned.

Emergency workers move in to assess the damage

'You are asked not to enter any premises without a member of Northern Gas being present.

'Once your property has been checked and made safe you will be asked to leave the area. Once all the premises have been checked we will advise when the area is safe for all to return.’

Pictures from Rex Features