Heavy-duty crane brought in to free lorry stuck in narrow Cornish village lane for days

An HGV lorry has been recovered from a narrow street in Cornwall after being stuck for three days
-Credit: (Image: Ben Godfrey)


A heavy-duty crane had to be brought in to shift a lorry that got so firmly wedged in a narrow village lane that Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service were unable to free it. There was frustration among residents in the village of Forder, near Saltash, after a large HGV got wedged on Castle Hill on Monday, September 30, and remained there for three days.

The large vehicle first got jammed in place at around 9.30am as it was reportedly transporting seeds. Dramatic drone photos show the vehicle well and truly trapped between buildings on the lane, which is one of the only routes into Forder.

It was still there early on Wednesday morning after fire crews had attempted and failed to rescue it. They were unable to do so due to its weight. Devon and Cornwall Police closed surrounding roads this morning in order to allow a giant crane to come into the area and recover the stricken vehicle.

READ MORE: 24 fails which saw lorries stuck on Cornwall's roads

READ MORE: Pub's brilliant response after customer complains about £2.40 carvery charge

Residents have had plenty to say about the incident with one even suggesting the driver ought to have his HGV licence revoked. In fairness, they are one of many drivers to fall foul of tight Cornish lanes.

The man commented on Facebook: "What's happened to common sense these days? Surely it was obvious from the start it's too tight, get out and walk it if not 100% sure if it will fit. If the driver can't read the signs warning of it, and not read the road properly i.e. a nasty bend, they should have their HGV licence taken away."

Another exasperated local wrote: "Will we end up having to put up width posts either side of entrances into villages with narrow roads, like they put before low bridges? Cornwall is full of narrow roads, it will cost a fortune and still wont stop Satnav zombies from attempting to get through."

The lorry got stuck in Forder near Saltash
The lorry got stuck in Forder near Saltash -Credit:Ben Godfrey

Meanwhile, others left comments questioning: "Why would you even attempt?" and "When will they ever learn?". Cornwall's narrow lanes are regularly blocked by vehicles that are too large.

But others managed to joke about the incident, with one contributing the classic: "Can't park there, mate", while another quipped: "Looks like he's got a tricky reverse."