Watch moment lorry driver strikes bridge with digger in Putney as police say 'lucky' nobody was injured

This is the moment a lorry driver nearly caused a tragic accident when the digger on his flatbed smashed into a railway bridge in South West London. The unfortunate incident happened in Putney on Upper Richmond Road at around 12pm on October 21, when the driver of the eight-wheeler HGV misjudged the height of his load when travelling under the tracks at East Putney Underground station.

On Tuesday (November 19) Mircea-Octavian Contra, 35, from Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention at Wimbledon Magistrates. He was driving a Volvo FM420 when he was also accused of failing to comply with a height limit sign, court documents show. Contra is now facing an unlimited fine and up to nine penalty points on his license.

In a post on X, a Met Police spokesperson said: "The Commercial Vehicle Unit deal with a high number of bridge strikes, all of which are avoidable. We work with Network Rail to evidence the delays caused to passengers and damage to their infrastructure.

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"This footage from Wandsworth Police shows how lucky we were that this was a damage only collision. Operators are reminded that drivers must check the height of their loads and plan routes to avoid low structures."

On its website, Network Rail says: "On an average day, the drivers of at least five heavy goods vehicles and/or buses, put themselves, road users and the public travelling on the trains at risk. Research by Network Rail has found that 32% of drivers admitted to setting off whilst not being aware of the height of their vehicle with 56% not considering low bridges when planning their journey.

"Bridge strike incidents can cause death or serious injury to road and rail users and have a serious impact on the operation of the railway, and road traffic. After every incident the bridge needs to be examined to make sure it’s safe and any debris needs to be cleared. This can cause significant delays to both road and rail users as well as disruption to the affected community."

Drivers can read guidance on how to avoid a tragedy here.

Got a tip, a court date, or some gossip? Please email callum.cuddeford@reachplc.com or WhatsApp 07580255582.

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