Two rescued from submerged car at notorious flooded Leicestershire bridge

Lee Garrett

29 April 2024 at 4:14 am·2-min read

A flooded road under Church Hill Road bridge in Thurmaston — The bridge has gained a reputation for its flooding -Credit:John Corley/Leicestershire and Rutland 4x4 Response

Two people were rescued from a submerged car at one of Leicestershire’s most notorious flooded bridges. Heavy rain saw a number of alerts put in place across the country, with warnings put in place by authorities.

The rescue took place at Church Hill Road bridge in Thurmaston early on Sunday (April 28) when Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) were called out following reports of a car stuck in the water. Heavy rain had once again left the bridge - which is notorious for flooding issues - inaccessible, but one vehicle had attempted to pass through the area.

One fire engine from Birstall was dispatched to the scene, while a Water Rescue Team from LFRS’s Southern Station was also sent out. At the scene, they found two people trapped inside the vehicle.

In a statement, LFRS confirmed that the car was submerged in around “half a metre” of flood water, with two people inside the car. The water rescue team set up a sled to release them from the trapped vehicle, while the AA was also in attendance.

Church Hill Road was cordoned at both sides while the rescue took place. The road was one of a number to hit by heavy rain over the weekend, with Leicestershire Police calling on motorists to drive with care.

On Sunday, they said: “Due to the current weather conditions and surface water, please take extra care whilst driving today.”

A number of flood alerts were issued during the heavy downpours over the weekend, with several still in place on Monday (April 29). Two are red flood warnings, which means that flooding is expected in the following areas:

River Wreake at Frisby-on-the-Wreake
River Wreake for mills at Hoby, Thrussington and Ratcliffe

Meanwhile, a number of yellow alerts are in place across Leicestershire. These mean that flooding is possible in these areas:

Lower River Soar in Leicestershire
River Anker and River Sence
River Devon and Smite in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire
River Sence in Leicestershire
River Wreake in Leicestershire
Rothley Brook and Quorn Brook in Leicestershire
Welland Valley

The very latest flood information can be found on the Government’s flood alert service.

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